The starting point to pick up ballot and treats is 18771 Deer Hollow Rd. There will be gift baskets for the top three winners.

Please bring nonperishable food items to the starting point for the Spirit of the Season. They will collect and deliver all donations.

The announcement came from Connel Murray, vice president of Clear Lake Performing Arts, the nonprofit group that sponsors the event.

The home winefest has attracted hundreds of amateur wine makers and attendees from all over Northern California since its inception in 2002.

It has become the major fundraising event for CLPA, which supports good music activities in Lake County including the symphony and youth orchestras.

Jim Perry, event chair, says triple-digit heat at last year's festival led to the decision to shift locations.

"We actually loved Kelseyville, and the Kelseyville Business Association couldn't have been more cooperative," he said.

The KBA also was a festival sponsor.

"We had planned to pattern our event after some of the village-based wine festivals in Europe, where they close the town center," he continued, "but I guess they don't get 103 degree temperatures in June like we did this year. Some of our volunteers actually dropped out with heat exhaustion."

Festival organizers are certain that the shaded park and lakeside breezes will do much to moderate Lake County's summer warmth.

The Lakeport City Council recently approved CLPA's application to hold its event in the park, including the closure of Park Street in order to accommodate the many arts and crafts exhibitors and food vendors who are a part of the festival.

Ed Bublitz, who has responsibility for soliciting the participation of amateur wine makers, says his committee will continue to provide participants with necessities, including canopies if needed, even though they might be under the trees.

"We think this new venue will make things a lot more comfortable for everyone." he said.

For the second year home brewers will also compete for ribbons.

Those seeking further information can contact Murray at 707-277-7076, or e-mail him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

The bird identification program is a great way to learn about the common and not-so-common birds of Lake County, especially if you are planning to participate in the Bird Count.

Even if you are not, however, learning about common birds is very fun and gratifying, noted Redbud Audubon’s president, Marilyn Waits.

Brad Barnwell will be presenting an updated presentation with new photographs of many of Lake County’s birds.

The program emphasizes the field characteristics of birds likely to be seen during the count.

The meeting is open to the public, including people who do not wish to participate in the bird count.

For more information about Redbud Audubon, go to www.redbudaudubon.org .