AVALON – Take an eclectic tour of some of the world's finest wines and flavored vodkas at Avalon's annual Wine & Spirits Festival. The festival is scheduled for May 10 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Avalon Community Hall, and is the perfect way to kick off a busy spring season in Avalon. With a few upgrades, including theme, décor and entertainment, the Wine & Spirits Festival is sure to be well-attended.

Guests entering the festival will be "taken away" to a rustic vineyard, complete with candles, rich colors, burlap, flowers and more. Along with a new theme and décor, guests will be serenaded by The Sun Dogs, a popular local duo. What makes this event unique is the complete participation of the community. The area's finest restaurants will provide passed hors d'oeuvres, and local businesses will provide items to be featured in the festival's extensive Silent Auction.

"This is always a great event for local distributors to bring in some new wines to feature for the season," says Kathy Todaro, of Fred's Avalon Liquor Store. "The new theme, layout and entertainment this year is really going to enhance the visitor's experience."

Tickets for the festival are now on sale for $40 in advance, or $45 at the door. Tickets are available for purchase at Fred's Avalon Liquor Store (609-967-4121), 2258 Dune Drive and the Avalon Chamber of Commerce (609-967-3936), 2989 Ocean Drive. For more information, please visit www.visitavalonnj.com.