Good weather and special offerings for women and mothers on Mother’s Day weekend helped make the annual Wine on the Fox in Hudson Park in Oswego a big success May 7-8. (Photo by Erika Wurst/For Chronicle Media)

Oswego Media Relations Director Michele Brown had some reservations about planning one of the village’s largest festivals over Mother’s Day weekend this year (May 7-8).

Would people turn out to the annual Wine on the Fox festival held at Hudson Crossing Park, or would they keep their celebrations at home?

For many, the afternoon brought about the best of both worlds.

Thousands of people packed up their own chairs, blankets, tables, picnic baskets and family members brought the comfort of their own homes to Oswego to celebrate on the lawn, with wine glasses in hand and live music setting the scene.

“It’s been one of the best years yet,” Brown said on Sunday as mothers, grandmothers and motherly figures bounced around from booth to booth sampling wines from across the Midwest. Many of their smiles were a bit brighter when they realized that they’d be showered with an extra five tasting tickets free of charge, just for being a woman.

Fourteen wineries were represented at the 2016 Wine on the Fox at Hudson Park in Oswego May 7-8. (Photo by Erika Wurst/For Chronicle Media)

“The moms are so happy to have the extra tickets,” Brown said over the weekend. “The weather is awesome, and you can’t beat this setting.”

Children squealed with happiness and they chased each other around the jungle gym. Dogs of all sizes frolicked about with their owners, making new friends of their own as they enjoyed the day outside the house.

Excited festival-goers began lining up an hour before doors opened at noon on both Saturday and Sunday, Brown said.

Once inside the park, there’s was no shortage of fun to be had. The day’s biggest obstacle was figuring out which of the 14 wineries to try.

At the August Hill Winery and Illinois Bubble Co. booth, bubbles were all the rage.

“Did you try the almond champagne?” several ladies raved as they took their place in line.

Standing behind dozens of bottles and swiftly filling glasses was August Hill Winemaker Mark Wenzel.

“People love bubbles,” Wenzel said of the afternoon’s crowd favorites, the Almond or Raspberry Infusion bubbling wines. “Bubbles bring smiles and excitement.”

The Utica-based winery specializes in all things that go “pop”, he said.

“It’s one of the niche markets we have.”

Other wineries showed off their infusions, like the Orange & Blue wine at the Pheasant Hollow Winery booth.

This year’s Wine on the Fox festival was one of the best, according to the village of Oswego. (Photo by Erika Wurst/For Chronicle Media)

The “semi-sweet orange muscat grape blended with just a hint of blueberry,” was a popular choice among wine drinkers over the weekend.

And, if that wasn’t your thing, you were sure to find something you liked.

Rhubarb wines and caramel apple flavors. Sweet whites, dry reds and everything in between were featured.

“I’ve enjoyed going outside my box a little bit,” said Adam Karau, of Sugar Grove. He’d been sipping on Sangria, which was a new taste for his pallet.

Adam Karau’s sister, Brittany Karau of Aurora, was also trying red wines on for size on Sunday — a stretch from what normally fills her glass, she said.

“It it’s not good, just dump it in the river,” Adam Karau joked. “It’s better than spending $10 at a restaurant to realize you don’t like it.”

The siblings brought mom Beth Karau to the fest to spend Mother’s Day together, and said they were not disappointed by the afternoon, although they’ve picked up a few tips for next year.

“Next time, we’re bringing chairs, dogs, coolers and snacks,” Adam Karau said.

— Oswego’s Wine on the Fox feted moms on their weekend —