FORESTVILLE - As fall descends upon Chautauqua County and summer begins to fade away, the fall festival season begins with a bang this weekend. The 32nd edition of "SeptemberFest" will take place at Merritt Estate Winery this weekend, Sept. 8-9, on the winery grounds in Forestville. Admission to the event is free.
The annual event is known for bringing Western New York athletes and celebrities to the people of Chautauqua County. Sabres like Pat LaFontaine, Rob Ray, Pat Kaleta, Ryan Miller and more have attended the free event. Buffalo Bills Ruben Brown, Andre Reed along with Buffalo Bandits star John Tavares have also graced the festival.
But none has the resume of the man chosen for this year's event. Bill Goldberg has a list of accomplishments that rival many in the sports and entertainment world: (Bill's appearance will benefit "Meals On Wheels" of Chautauqua County)
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Bill Goldberg
Former World Champion in the WCW and WWE Wrestling promotions
Famous for his record holding 173-0 winning streak in professional wrestling. Known for his battle cry "Who's Next?"
A contestant on NBC's "Celebrity Apprentice w/Donald Trump" with celebrities: Bret Michaels, Cindy Lauper, Darryl Strawberry and many more.
Former football player having played defensive tackle for the Georgia Bulldogs before time in the NFL with the LA Rams, Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers before retiring due to injury in 1995.
Goldberg also won a World Championship in the former WFL with the Sacramento Surge.
Goldberg a has also co-starred with Adam Sandler, Burt Reynolds and Chris Rock in the remake of "The Longest Yard", with Jean Claude Van Damme in "Universal Soldier" as well as others.
Bill also hosts a number of his own television shows: "BullRun" on the SPEED Channel and DIY Channels popular "Garage Mahal" home makeover show.
Author of his autobiography, "Who's Next?" Mr. Goldberg will be signing copies of his book with proceeds benefiting Meals On Wheels.
One lucky fan will also win a private lunch at the winery on Saturday through the wineries Facebook and Twitter contests. Goldberg will be appearing at SeptemberFest both days: Saturday and Sunday beginning at 12:30 p.m.
There will be additional entertainment throughout the weekend including:
SATURDAY
Black Widow (noon to 3 p.m.)
Underground Stampede (3-6 p.m.)
Sean Patrick McGraw (6-10 p.m.)
SUNDAY
Ion Sky (noon to 3 p.m.)
Coal Train w Gina V (3-6 p.m.)
All weekend there will also be:
Chiavetta's Chicken BBQ
Appearance by the General Lee Car
Car Show sponsored by Lakeshore StreetRod Association
Craft Fair
Face painting, bounce house
Memorabilia Auction
Some of the auction items include: Jim Kelly autographed memorabilia; "Baby" Joe Mesi autographed items; Bill Goldberg autographed items; Tony Stewart, Kasey Kahne and more NASCAR items; exclusive "collectors series" celebrity wine bottles from past SeptemberFest and Merritt events; Sabres autographed sticks; Sabres tickets; Jamestown Jammers and Jamestown Ironmen memorabilia; and much more.
Merritt Estate Winery is located at 2264 King Road, Forestville. For more information, call 888-965-4800 or visit www.merrittestatewinery.com.
