Folks might not realize it, but a scientific theory was proven over the weekend: people can open and close umbrellas while strolling down the street and balancing glasses full of wine or beer without spilling a drop.
This was demonstrated time after time during the annual Budbreak festival Saturday afternoon in downtown Mount Airy as numerous individuals — especially those with big thirsts — deftly rewrote the laws of physics in such ways.
Umbrellas were standard equipment for the event celebrating the region’s viticulture and craft beer industries for a 14th year.
Intermittent showers pelted festival-goers for much of the five-hour gathering, ranging from no precipitation at all during certain periods to slight drizzles and heavy rain.
However, those venturing downtown were just as persistent.
“These are hardy folks,” said Van Lankford, a member of the Rotary Club of Mount Airy that sponsors Budbreak.
Lankford, one of about 70 Rotary and other volunteers helping out, said people were lined up to get into the festival area on the upper end of North Main Street well before its noon start time.
“I think considering the weather we are pleased with the turnout this year,” Lankford said.
Both he and fellow Rotarian Anne Webb, who was working a booth with other members where wine glasses were being given out, believe there is a certain hardcore, diehard group of connoisseurs who will attend regardless of weather conditions.
Their desire to have a good time trumps the elements, Webb agreed.
Budbreak’s entertainment aspect also was a drawing card, she said, which featured a concert by Tim Elliott, a two-time Carolinas Male Country Artist of the Year who was appearing at the festival for the second-straight year.
Many fans took refuge at a large sheltered seating area fronting the stage in the Brannock and Hiatt Furniture parking lot — which served to protect them from the rain while also enjoying Elliott and his band.
The power of the tap
However, upon surveying the entire scene Saturday afternoon, an observer quickly reached the conclusion that Budbreak was all about The Beverage.
Thirteen wineries and four breweries were slated to offer their wares at Budbreak 2024, which operated from tent enclosures that allowed for dry conditions except for what was coming from the taps.
Long lines were observed as attendees awaited the chance to take advantage of unlimited tastings, or samplings, offered with their ticket purchases and the opportunity to order quantities to carry home.
“We’re most appreciative of all the wineries, brewers and vendors,” Webb said.
In addition to the beverages and live music, Lankford pointed to another aspect that could account for Budbreak’s support over the years by those attending: the fact all its proceeds go to charitable causes locally.
“I always like to think that in the back of their minds, they’re wanting to help the community.”
Those attending Budbreak came from near and far, including Chris Gonzales and Christina Patac of Virginia Beach.
They drove to Dobson for a baseball tournament at Surry Community College involving Virginia Peninsula Community College from Hampton and decided to also take in the Mount Airy event, weather and all.
By mid-afternoon, Gonzales and Patac had mastered the art of holding wine glasses upright — and carrying a purse, in her case — while also pressing their large umbrella into service as needed.
But Patac said the two received some assistance in this regard. This involved buying wine glass lanyards, or holders, from a Bubreak vendor which allowed their glasses to be carried hands-free and remain upright while wrestling with a raincoat, for example.
“If it wasn’t for them I’d probably have dropped this by now,” Gonzales said of his glass.
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