The Star Beacon; Ashtabula, Ohio

May 3, 2009

Wine, walleye gear available for purchase

By SHELLEY TERRY - Staff Writer - sterry@starbeacon.com

ASHTABULA — With the Wine and Walleye Festival four months away, its goodwill ambassador, Ellie Herzog, is out and about, promoting the festival’s merchandise.

“The colors are fun and exciting, which is just what the festival is all about,” Herzog said.

Local artist Ralph Bacon created the logo last year. Bacon used vibrant colors and designed the light-hearted caricature walleye enjoying a glass of wine.

“Creating a captive audience — that’s what festivals are best at doing,” said Mark Winchell, director of the Ashtabula County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Chamber President Jim Timonere joked with Herzog, calling her, “the fish commish.”

Shirts and hats now are available at the chamber for $18 and $22.

The festival is slated for Aug. 22-23 at Walnut Beach, and will bring in tourists for a walleye tournament and Ohio wine tastings.