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10 Exciting Festivals Happening This Year You Should Attend

 

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As fall officially begins, days fill with seasonal activities like apple picking, autumn movie marathons and haunted houses.

However, for New Englanders, fall also marks the height of festival season. Here in Rhode Island, the season is celebrated with an exciting lineup of outdoor festivals that take place in the crisp fall weather, from September through November. From food festivals to comedy celebrations to harvest fairs, the state is sure to have the perfect festival for the whole family to enjoy.

Here are 10 fairs and festivals in Rhode Island to attend this fall.

Confreda’s Fall Festival

At Confreda Greenhouses and Farms, every day is a festival in the fall. The farm’s annual Fall Fest includes attractions like hayrides, pick-your-own pumpkins, an animal barnyard, axe throwing, a bounce house, carnival rides and on weekends, a giant corn maze.

Food options at the festival include rotating food trucks, fresh apple cider donuts, fried dough, apple cider slushies and more. All-day admission tickets, which can be purchased at the booth, cost $10 per person, with entrance to the corn maze available for an extra $5.

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily from Sept. 27 through end of October

Where: 2150 Scituate Ave., Hope

Jack O’Lantern Spectacular

 

Each fall, Providence’s Roger Williams Park Zoo transforms into a captivating world of carved pumpkins known as the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. The zoo’s Wetlands Trail turns into the illuminated pumpkin trail, featuring about 5,000 specially designed jack-o-lanterns accompanied by lights, music and special effects.

Weekday tickets cost $20 for adults ages 13 and older or $16 for ages 2-12, and weekend tickets cost $23 for adults or $19 for children. Children ages one and under always enter for free. Tickets for a specific day and time slot must be purchased online,

 

When: 6-10:30 p.m. daily from Friday, Sept. 26 through Sunday, Nov. 2

Where: Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence

Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival

 

Celebrate the best of Rhode Island’s seafood scene at the 34th annual Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival in Newport. Honoring the “Harvest of the Sea,” the food festival is full of fresh, local seafood, including options like clams, oysters, stuffies, lobster rolls, chowder and fried calamari.

Wash down all that seafood with a signature cocktail or cold beer, and finish off your meal with a sweet treat while enjoying some live music from local musicians. The seafood festival is free to enter, but food and beverages must be purchased from individual vendors.

When: Saturday, Oct. 18 and Sunday, Oct. 19 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where: Bowen’s Wharf, Newport

Scituate Art Festival

 

Art lovers can head to the Village Green in North Scituate for the 59th annual Scituate Art Festival, celebrating original fine art, handmade crafts and antiques in an open-air market. Raffles and live music will accompany the festival, and a variety of food options from local, non-profit organizations will be available in the food court.

When: Saturday, Oct. 11 and Sunday, Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Monday, Oct. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Village Green, North Scituate

Autumnfest

 

As the largest festival in northern Rhode Island, Autumnfest fills Woonsocket with live entertainment, carnival rides, fireworks, artisan vendors, a huge parade and over 20 food vendors, including local favorites like Del’s Lemonade and Ice Cream Machine.

Ride tickets are currently available online from Fanelli Amusements at $1.50 for one, $13 for 10, $30 for 30 or $50 for 50. Wristbands are also available for select time periods during the fair.

When: Friday, Oct. 10 from 6-10 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 11 and Sunday, Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Monday, Oct. 13 from noon to 6 p.m.

Where: World War II Veterans Memorial State Park, 84 Social St., Woonsocket

Harvest Fair

 

Middletown’s Norman Bird Sanctuary will once again welcome autumn with the 51st annual Harvest Fair this fall. Families can enjoy a day of old-fashioned fun with potato sack races, pumpkin painting, pony rides, crafts, face painting and more.

Over 70 crafters and artisans will offer handmade goods in the Crafter’s Tent, talented musicians will perform on the Harvest Fair stage and local food vendors will be selling seasonal favorites.

General admission costs $14 for adults or $10 for children ages 3-18, and children under age three enter for free.

When: Saturday, Oct. 4 and Sunday, Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: 583 Third Beach Road, Middletown

Federal Hill Columbus Day Festival

 

This Columbus Day weekend, Federal Hill will come to life with the 40th Annual Galbani Columbus Weekend Festival, presented by the Federal Hill Commerce Association.

Guests can enjoy over 80 art and retail vendors, as well as family-friendly games, amusement rides, cooking demonstrations, a parade and live entertainment from thre separate stages. Various local food vendors and over 26 Federal Hill restaurants will provide food for the festival, including Cafe Italia, Providence Oyster Bar and Cassarino’s.

When: Friday, Oct. 11 from 5 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, Oct. 12 from 11 a.m. to midnight; Monday, Oct. 13 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: Dean Street to Sutton Street on Atwells Avenue, Providence

Rogue Island Comedy Festival

Need a good laugh this fall? Head to the Rogue Island Comedy Festival, the premiere stand-up comedy festival in the state, bringing the best local and national talent to the Rhode Island stage since 2015.

This year, fall festival headliners include Emmy-winning comedy writer Kyle Dunnigan, ‘America’s Got Talent’ finalist Aiko Tanaka, TV comedy writer Ryan Donahue and Boston Comedy Festival winner Dan Boulger. A full schedule of shows can be found online.

Tickets for each show can be bought online for $35 each, and all festival shows are general admission.

When: Thursday, Oct. 9 at 6 p.m. through Sunday, Oct. 12 at 10:30 p.m.

Where: Multiple venues in Portsmouth and Newport

Oktoberfest

Celebrate Oktoberfest in Pawtucket with the German American Cultural Society of Rhode Island. The authentic Oktoberfest celebration will include live entertainment, a ceremonial keg tapping, a large draft beer list, a table full of assorted cakes and food options like bratwurst, Bavarian pretzels and potato pancakes.

Oktoberfest tickets cost $10 online or $12 in person. Children ages 12 and under enter for free.

When: Saturday, Sept. 27 from noon to 11 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 28 from noon to 5 p.m.

Where: 78 Carter Ave., Pawtucket

Clark Farms Fall Fest

 

Over in Matunuck, Clark Farms is hosting a fall festival with the theme “Wild West Adventure.” Attractions include a corn maze, hayrides, a petting zoo, a giant slide, go-kart racing, live music, a zip line, tire swings, face painting and food from local vendors, as well as fresh cider and cider donuts.

Admission to the Wild West fall festival costs $20 per person, and the farm suggests buying tickets online.

When: Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 9 a,m. to 5 p.m. from Sept. 13 through Oct. 26

Where: Clark Farms, 2984 Commodore Perry Hwy, Matunuck



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Ken says to expect an unsettled stretch into the weekend

Good Friday morning!

The cool down begins today with scattered showers and thunderstorms expected. A few showers are possible this morning, but the wetter part of the day will be late this morning and this afternoon.

This afternoon’s temperatures will only be in the lower 70s (which is just about normal for this time of the year.)

A few showers and even a thunderstorm or two will linger in the cooler air on Saturday.

If you are headed to Farm Aid 40 at Huntington Bank Stadium, bring the rain gear along! It won’t rain all day, but scattered showers and even a thunderstorm will be possible tomorrow.

Lingering showers…but somewhat drier weather with middle 70’s are expected for Sunday.

Weather expert Ken has issued a forecast warning that residents should brace for an unsettled stretch of weather heading into the weekend. According to Ken, a combination of shifting weather systems will bring a mix of rain, gusty winds, and fluctuating temperatures in the coming days.

Unpredictable Conditions Ahead

Ken explains that a low-pressure system moving across the region is contributing to the volatile conditions. “We can expect intermittent showers, and some areas may see heavier downpours,” he said. “The weather will be particularly changeable, so it’s important for everyone to plan accordingly.”

Impacts on Daily Life

Commuters may face delays due to slick roads and localized flooding in low-lying areas. Outdoor plans could be disrupted by sudden showers or gusty winds. Ken advises staying updated with the latest forecasts and keeping an umbrella or rain jacket handy.

Looking Beyond the Weekend

While the immediate forecast points to unsettled weather, Ken notes that calmer conditions are expected early next week as the low-pressure system moves out. “After this weekend, we should see a return to more stable and predictable weather,” he added.

Residents are encouraged to monitor local weather updates and heed any advisories. Being prepared for sudden changes can help minimize disruptions and ensure safety during the unsettled stretch.

Next week looks quite nice!

Have a great weekend!

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“Ultimate Guide to Oktoberfest: Beers, Brats, and Bavarian Traditions”

Eat, drink and be merry. Yes, it’s Oktoberfest in downtown Coeur d’Alene, from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and noon to 8 p.m. Saturday.

The two-day celebration will feature more than 30 craft beer, cider and seltzer taps throughout businesses, joined by two biergartens, live music, games, contests and German menus as downtown Coeur d’Alene is transformed into a Bavarian village.

Here’s a look at what awaits:

• No-Li Biergarten at Rotary Centennial Park, 316 Sherman Ave., will be in full swing featuring a ceremonial keg tapping Friday, stein-holding contests, a live DJ and German food from Rustic and Crown and Thistle.

• In partnership with Downtown’s German-inspired watering hole, the Bier Haus Prostgarten (located on Lakeside Avenue behind Bier Haus) is home to the STCU Stage, featuring headliners including the Heather King Band and the Rhythm Dogs. This lively spot kicks off the festival’s second day with a keg tapping by Bayern Brewing, games, contests, with bites from Bier Haus.

• Pop-Up Pubs: Stroll through more than 20 local businesses as they turn into pop-up pubs offering beers, ciders, tasty snacks and entertainment.

Every autumn, millions of people from around the globe flock to Munich, Germany, to take part in the world’s largest folk festival—Oktoberfest. What began in 1810 as a royal wedding celebration has grown into a cultural extravaganza known for its overflowing steins of beer, sizzling sausages, traditional Bavarian attire, and a spirit of community that bridges cultures and generations.

A Festival with Deep Roots

Oktoberfest dates back to the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. Locals celebrated with horse races, food, and drink on the fields that were later named Theresienwiese (Theresa’s meadow). Today, that same site hosts over two weeks of festivities every late September into early October.

The Beer Culture

At the heart of Oktoberfest is the beer. Only six Munich breweries—such as Paulaner, Hofbräu, and Augustiner—are allowed to serve at the festival, each producing special Märzen-style beers brewed just for the occasion. Served in one-liter mugs called Maßkrugs, the beer is strong, smooth, and designed for hearty celebration.

Brats, Pretzels and More

No Oktoberfest experience is complete without the food. Stalls and beer tents serve up Bavarian delicacies including:

  • Bratwurst and Weisswurst – sausages grilled or boiled to perfection

  • Brezen (Pretzels) – giant, soft pretzels sprinkled with salt

  • Roast Chicken and Pork Knuckles – festival favorites for sharing

  • Apple Strudel – sweet endings to balance the savory feast

Traditional Attire and Music

Visitors often dress in lederhosen (for men) and dirndls (for women), proudly showcasing Bavarian tradition. Inside the beer tents, brass bands play folk music, and crowds join in lively singing, dancing, and clinking of steins.

Beyond the Beer Tents

Oktoberfest isn’t just about drinking. Families enjoy carnival rides, parades, and cultural showcases. The opening parade of festival hosts and brewers, along with the traditional tapping of the first keg by Munich’s mayor, marks the start of the event with spectacular flair.

A Global Celebration

While Munich’s Oktoberfest is the original, cities worldwide—from Cincinnati to Sydney—host their own versions, bringing Bavarian spirit to international audiences.

Final Cheers

Oktoberfest is more than just a beer festival—it’s a celebration of Bavarian heritage, culinary delights, and shared joy. Whether you’re raising a stein in Munich or at a local Oktoberfest event, it’s a chance to savor tradition, food, and fun with friends old and new.

Tickets start at $25 and include commemorative glassware, beer tasting tickets and full entertainment access. Door sales are available while supplies last in The Coeur d’Alene Resort Plaza Shops from 3:30 to 7 p.m. Friday and 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday.

Tickets: cdadowntown.com/cda-events/oktoberfest

People are in the spirit and the outfits for Oktoberfest in Coeur d’Alene.
 
 

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“Tsunami Advisory Issued for Alaska After Massive Earthquake Near Russia”

ADAK, Alaska – A 7.8 earthquake off the coast of Russia has triggered a Tsunami Advisory for the Aleutian Islands in Alaska on Thursday.

The quake struck just before 11 a.m. Alaska Daylight Time (3 p.m. ET) and was centered about 90 miles east of Petropavlovsk, Kamchatka, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

A Tsunami Advisory stretches from Amchitka Pass, Alaska, (about 125 miles west of Adak) to Attu, Alaska.

A massive undersea earthquake struck off the coast of Russia’s Far East on Friday, prompting U.S. authorities to issue a tsunami advisory for parts of coastal Alaska.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the quake registered a magnitude of 7.9 and struck near the Kuril Islands region, an area known for high seismic activity. The quake’s depth was estimated at about 25 miles (40 kilometers) below the surface, strong enough to trigger regional tsunami monitoring systems.

The National Tsunami Warning Center (NTWC) in Palmer, Alaska, confirmed that a tsunami advisory was issued for coastal communities stretching from Attu Island in the Aleutians to parts of southern Alaska. While a full-scale tsunami warning was not declared, authorities cautioned residents to stay away from beaches, harbors, and low-lying coastal areas until further notice.

So far, there have been no immediate reports of damage in Alaska or Russia, but emergency officials are closely monitoring sea-level gauges across the Pacific. Small waves, less than one foot, were already recorded along some Aleutian Island shorelines shortly after the quake.

Local authorities in Alaska urged residents to remain alert. Some schools in coastal communities announced early dismissals and precautionary closures, while emergency shelters were put on standby.

Seismologists noted that this quake struck near the same region as a powerful earthquake earlier this summer, which also prompted tsunami advisories for Alaska. Experts say the region’s location along the volatile Pacific “Ring of Fire” makes it one of the most seismically active zones in the world.

As of Friday afternoon, tsunami advisories had not been extended to Hawaii, California, or other U.S. West Coast states, though monitoring continues.

Residents are encouraged to check updates from the National Weather Service (NWS), the NTWC, and local emergency management agencies for the latest advisories.

Any tsunami waves would reach Shemya around 12:20 p.m. AKDT (4:20 p.m. ET)

A Tsunami Advisory is a lower-rung alert for a tsunami, issued when small waves may impact an area. Strong currents could be dangerous to those in or near the water, and minor flooding of beaches and harbors is possible.

No other U.S. or Canadian continental locations are in an alert zone, according to the U.S. Tsunami Warning Center. However, the agency is warning there could be tsunami waves of 3-9 feet (1-3 meters) along some parts of the Russian coast.

The quake is likely an aftershock of the historic 8.8 earthquake that struck on July 29, sending tsunami alerts across much of the Pacific Ocean. While some minor waves were reported in Hawaii along the U.S. West Coast, there was no significant damage reported.

Updates to Follow Soon.

“Will CBDCs Transform Finance? Key Insights and Expert Predictions”

Will Central Bank Digital Currencies Change the Game? Insights and Predictions

In recent years, the conversation around Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) has intensified, with many countries exploring this innovative financial tool. As digital currencies gain traction, it’s imperative to understand their potential implications on financial systems globally.

What are Central Bank Digital Currencies?

Central Bank Digital Currencies are digital forms of a country’s fiat currency, issued and regulated by a nation’s central bank. Unlike cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, which operate on decentralized networks, CBDCs are centralized and aim to combine the advantages of digital currencies with the stability of traditional money.

Reasons for Adoption

There are several motivations behind the shift towards CBDCs:

    • Financial Inclusion: CBDCs can provide unbanked populations with access to financial services, enabling them to participate in the economy.
    • Cost Efficiency: Digital transactions can lower the costs associated with cash handling and cross-border payments.
    • Combatting Cryptocurrencies: By offering a secure digital alternative, central banks may deter the proliferation of decentralized cryptocurrencies.
    • Enhanced Monetary Policy: CBDCs could allow central banks to implement monetary policy more effectively, monitoring and influencing economic activity in real time.

Predictions on the Future of CBDCs

As various nations race to roll out their digital currencies, several predictions can be made about the future landscape:

1. A New Era of Payments

CBDCs could revolutionize payment systems, making transactions instantaneous and virtually fee-less, thereby enhancing consumer convenience.

2. Changes in Bank-Lending Practices

With the rise of CBDCs, traditional banks may need to rethink their lending practices. Direct access to central bank reserves could alter the dynamics of banking.

3. Enhanced Security and Privacy

CBDCs have the potential to provide enhanced security against fraud and counterfeiting, while also raising important questions regarding privacy and data protection.

4. Integration with Existing Financial Ecosystems

For a successful implementation, CBDCs will need to be integrated with existing financial systems, posing technical challenges and requiring collaboration between various stakeholders.

Challenges to Consider

Despite the potential benefits, the implementation of CBDCs is not without its challenges:

    • Regulatory Framework: Developing a robust legal framework to govern CBDCs is crucial to ensure stability and consumer protection.
    • Technological Infrastructure: The need for reliable technology to support CBDC transactions is paramount, especially in ensuring cybersecurity.
    • Public Trust: Gaining widespread trust from the public is essential for user adoption.

Conclusion

Central Bank Digital Currencies have the potential to significantly disrupt financial systems worldwide. As countries navigate the intricacies of implementation, collaboration and foresight will be key in reaping the benefits while mitigating risks.

Whether CBDCs will fundamentally change the game remains to be seen, but their influence on the future of finance is undeniable.


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“Kvarner, Croatia: Hidden Gem for Wine & Food Lovers”

Discover Kvarner: Croatia’s Hidden Gem for Wine and Food Enthusiasts

Nestled between the sparkling Adriatic Sea and the rugged beauty of the Croatian hinterland lies Kvarner, a region that remains delightfully off the beaten path for most travelers. While Croatia is famous for its beaches and historic cities, Kvarner offers something more intimate: a culinary and wine experience that will captivate any epicurean.

A Taste of Authentic Croatia
Kvarner is a region where tradition and flavor go hand in hand. From the fresh catch of the day pulled straight from the Adriatic to farm-to-table produce sourced from the lush surrounding hills, every meal here is a celebration of local ingredients. Small family-owned restaurants, taverns, and konobas (traditional Croatian eateries) serve dishes that have been perfected over generations. Don’t miss specialties like fresh truffles from the nearby forests, signature seafood risottos, and locally cured prosciutto.

Sip Your Way Through Kvarner
Wine enthusiasts will find Kvarner a hidden paradise. The region boasts a mix of indigenous grape varieties and modern vineyards producing exceptional wines. From the crisp whites of Malvazija to the rich reds of Teran, Kvarner offers a diverse palette of flavors. Many vineyards welcome visitors for tastings and tours, allowing travelers to experience the winemaking process up close while enjoying breathtaking views of rolling hills and the sea beyond.

A Journey Beyond Food and Wine
While Kvarner is a haven for culinary explorers, its charm goes beyond the plate. Visitors can explore picturesque coastal towns like Opatija, with its elegant architecture and seaside promenade, or take a ferry to islands such as Krk and Cres, where nature and tranquility reign supreme. Local markets, festivals, and food events provide an immersive experience into the culture and traditions of the region.

Why Kvarner Should Be on Your Radar
Unlike more crowded tourist hotspots, Kvarner combines natural beauty, rich history, and a vibrant gastronomic scene in a way that feels personal and authentic. Whether you’re savoring a glass of wine in a sun-dappled vineyard, enjoying freshly caught seafood by the Adriatic, or wandering through charming village streets, Kvarner promises experiences that linger long after your visit.

For wine lovers and food enthusiasts seeking a destination that blends culinary excellence with stunning scenery and warm hospitality, Kvarner is truly Croatia’s hidden gem.

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While Croatia’s coastal wine regions of Dalmatia and Istria get plenty of attention, the under-the-radar region of Kvarner boasts not only a fascinating history, but a fantastic, burgeoning wine industry and world-class cuisine which leans heavily into Croatia’s maritime bounty.

In the deep Adriatic waters of the Gulf of Kvarner, an archipelago of islands supports both fishing and vine-growing industries and is home to many of the region’s wineries.

At the northern end of the gulf lies the city of Rijeka which is Croatia’s main port. Its naturally deep harbour has seen it serve as a maritime hub for countless cultures and rulers since the late Neolithic period.

{“content”:”</p>
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<h2 style="text-align: center">A selection of wines from Kvarner listed below</h2>
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<p>Its history is nothing if not eventful.</p>
<p><div class="ad-container ad-container--mobile"><div id="post-inline-2" class="ipc-advert"></div></div></p>
<p>With powerful defences to protect the harbour, Riejka has borne the brunt of numerous assaults over the centuries. It was burnt to the ground by Attila the Hun and later besieged by Charlemagne.</p>
<p>By the 16th century it rivalled Venice as an Adriatic power which led the latter to attack it jealously, and it was a bastion against the high tide of Ottoman incursions into the Balkans.</p>
<p>Ruled by the Habsburgs from the 15th century to 1918, from 1919-1920 the city was <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_Regency_of_Carnaro" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"><strong>seized by Italian nationalist poet Gabriele d&#8217;Annunzio</strong></a> and run as an independent statelet until, in a welter of contradictions, d&#8217;Annunzio declared war on Italy and was deposed after the city was besieged and bombarded by Italian warships.</p>
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<p>The city was then annexed by Italy until it became part of Yugoslavia in 1945 and finally Croatia in 1991.</p>
<div id="attachment_563930" style="width: 1310px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-563930" class="lazyload blur-up wp-image-563930 size-full" data-processed src="https://www.decanter.com/wp-content/themes/simba-theme/assets/images/placeholder.png" data-src="https://keyassets.timeincuk.net/inspirewp/live/wp-content/uploads/sites/34/2025/08/KATUNAR-29.gif" alt="" width="1300" height="860"><p id="caption-attachment-563930" class="wp-caption-text">Anton Katunar of Katunar Estate in the Sveta Lucija vineyard. Credit: Ivana Čutura</p></div>
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<h2>Deep waters and deep wine roots</h2>
<p>Rooted in indigenous varieties, the winemaking islands of Kvarner have a long vinous history, probably pre-dating the arrival of the Romans.</p>
<p>The region is largely housed within the Croatian county of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primorje-Gorski_Kotar_County" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Primorje-Gorski Kotar</strong></a>. On the mainland, this centres around the city of Rijeka and then extends across the main islands of the Kvarner Gulf archipelago – Krk, Pag, Rab and a cluster of islands around Cres and Lo<span dir="auto">šinj.</span></p>
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<p>But while it extends over a large geographic area, the land dedicated to vines is much smaller.</p>
<p>‘Kvarner is a small, specific boutique wine region, where mostly autochthonous grape varieties are planted,’ says Żarko Stilin, director of the Kvarner Wines regional entity.</p>
<p>‘Today, the entire Kvarner has about 200 hectares of vineyards, while historical documents indicate that there were [once] several thousand hectares of vineyards on the island of Krk alone.’</p>
<p>The island of Krk is the largest of Croatia’s many islands, and the largest in the entire Adriatic Sea. These days, the northern end is largely forested, while the southern parts of the island are characterised by white karst rock, fully exposed due to the strong bora winds, which can reach 100 km/h.</p>
<p>These winds blow into the Adriatic from the north/north-west. Today, tourists are drawn to the sleepy towns, the historic walled city of Krk, and the ample beaches, as well as the incredible fishing.</p>
<h2>The decline</h2>
<p>However, at one point, Krk was a hotbed for Croatian viticulture.</p>
<p>‘In some records from the 18th and 19th centuries, it is noted that more than half of the arable land on Krk was used for vineyards,’ says Egle Katunar, proprietor of the winery, Ivan Katunar.</p>
<p>‘Monasteries and noble families maintained vineyards, and wine was a major source of income for both the poor labourers and wealthy landowners.’</p>
<p>Krk and Kvarner generally were decimated, like much of Europe, by <strong><a href="https://www.decanter.com/wine-news/phylloxera-detected-in-the-canary-islands-562812/">phylloxera</a></strong> towards the very end of the 1890s. Tourism eventually became the primary driver of the local economy, as Europeans – and eventually Americans – were drawn to the country’s hospitality, affordability and pristine beaches along the Adriatic.</p>
<p>‘While towns like Vrbnik became known for their Žlahtina and other local varieties, often cultivated on steep hillsides and seemingly on every available patch of land,’ says Katunar, ‘beginning in the 1960s, tourism boomed on Krk.</p>
<p>&#8216;Land once used for vineyards was converted into apartments and tourist accommodations. Generational change also played a role as younger generations left agriculture, leading to further vineyard abandonment.’</p>
<div id="attachment_563933" style="width: 1310px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-563933" class="lazyload blur-up wp-image-563933 size-full" data-processed src="https://www.decanter.com/wp-content/themes/simba-theme/assets/images/placeholder.png" data-src="https://keyassets.timeincuk.net/inspirewp/live/wp-content/uploads/sites/34/2025/08/VrbnickoPolje_1.gif" alt="" width="1300" height="860"><p id="caption-attachment-563933" class="wp-caption-text">Vrbničko Polje is the largest vineyard on the island of Krk. Credit: Vedran Gašparović</p></div>
<h2>A Kvarner wine revival</h2>
<p>As Croatia has become one of the world’s top tourist destinations, people are starting to see beyond the beautiful beaches and blue Adriatic waters. Gastronomy, and with it, the local wines are leading the way in Kvarner.</p>
<p>‘The 1980s and 1990s saw a revival of local winemaking,’ explains Katunar. On Krk, this centres around the town of Vrbnik, on the northern side of the island, almost directly across from the historical city of Krk.</p>
<p>Infrastructure and organisation around viticulture and wine have also driven quality and recognition. In 2025, the Kvarner Wineries Association entries at DWWA received 12 medals.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, as tourists seek to escape the busier beaches of Dalmatia, Kvarner is becoming a region that is gaining major attention.</p>
<p>The seafood and accommodation in towns like Opatija, combined with great dining, including the Michelin-starred Nebo in the regional capital of Rijeka, have given Kvarner a reputation as a world-class destination.</p>
<p>Kvarner was designated by the International Institute for Gastronomy, Culture, Art, and Tourism as the <strong><a href="https://igcat.org/kvarner-receives-european-region-of-gastronomy-2026-award/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">‘European Region of Gastronomy’ for 2026.</a></strong></p>
<p>With a rising tide lifting all the region’s boats, the main focus has been on the natural pairing between local seafood and Kvarner’s most popular wine made from the white grape <strong>Žlahtina</strong>.<img decoding="async" class="lazyload blur-up wp-image-563935 size-full" data-processed src="https://www.decanter.com/wp-content/themes/simba-theme/assets/images/placeholder.png" data-src="https://keyassets.timeincuk.net/inspirewp/live/wp-content/uploads/sites/34/2025/08/VinarijaSipun_15.gif" alt="" width="1300" height="860"><span style="font-size: 14px">Ivica Dobrinčić and family, of the Šipun winery. Credit: Vedran Gašparović</span></p>
<h2>Kvarner’s indigenous ‘queen’</h2>
<p>Croatia is a land of indigenous varieties, boasting a reputed 130, one of the highest in Europe. In Kvarner, however, one reigns supreme.</p>
<p>‘Of the 37 indigenous varieties in Kvarner, we like to call Žlahtina the regional “queen” as it accounts for almost 90% of the wine produced here,&#8217; says Żarko Stilin.</p>
<p>‘There are more than 40 labels produced from Žlahtina – from pet nat and frizzante sparkling wines to traditional method sparkling wines,&#8217; he adds.</p>
<p>&#8216;You can find fresher styles of Žlahtina, those fermented in barrel, as well as orange wines and the regional wine Prošek, traditionally produced from dried berries.’</p>
<p>The variety sets up well to create wines of complexity and nuance, perfect for the intricate flavours of the local seafood.</p>
<p>In terms of red wine, <strong>Sansigot</strong>, an ancient indigenous variety that was originally found on the island of Susak. No one is bottling a wine from Sansigot that&#8217;s grown there anymore, though it can be found on Krk.</p>
<p>Sadly, while Žlahtina accounts for approximately 95% of local plantings, Sansigot is nearing extinction; however, Krk winegrowers, particularly Ivica Dobrinčić of Sípun, are committed to its preservation.</p>
<div class="injection"></div>
<p>‘Kvarner as a whole is witnessing a winemaking renaissance,’ says Egle Katunar. ‘There are now more wineries, better quality and creativity from a new generation of producers. Globally, wine enthusiasts, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, are exploring lesser-known regions, indigenous varieties, and natural wines. These are all areas where Kvarner has its strengths.’</p>
<div id="attachment_563936" style="width: 1310px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-563936" class="lazyload blur-up wp-image-563936 size-full" data-processed src="https://www.decanter.com/wp-content/themes/simba-theme/assets/images/placeholder.png" data-src="https://keyassets.timeincuk.net/inspirewp/live/wp-content/uploads/sites/34/2025/08/RUZIC-59-1.gif" alt="" width="1300" height="860"><p id="caption-attachment-563936" class="wp-caption-text">Franko Ružic of the Ružic winery. Credit: Ivana Čutura</p></div>
<p>
”}


Kvarner wines to try:

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{“wineId”:”100358″,”displayCase”:”standard”,”paywall”:true}

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{“wineId”:”100367″,”displayCase”:”standard”,”paywall”:true}

{“wineId”:”100368″,”displayCase”:”standard”,”paywall”:true}

{“wineId”:”100369″,”displayCase”:”standard”,”paywall”:true}

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FEMA urges flood victims to apply for aid before deadline

In the wake of the devastating September 16 flash floods that swept through Triadelphia, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been actively assisting

residents. Following a federal disaster declaration on September 16 $11.7 million in individual assistance was made available for Ohio and Marion counties.

FEMA quickly established disaster recovery centers and began offering financial assistance to those impacted. Kim Fuller, a media relations specialist, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We’re at the thirty-day mark. There’s thirty days until the applications are due. That’ll be September 16, it’s the deadline.”

Fuller explained that FEMA’s disaster survivor teams are engaging with the community through special events and pop-up disaster recovery centers. “People don’t have to go to a disaster recovery center per se. They can come to a pop-up disaster recovery center and get registered or they can find out what the status of their application is or if they just have questions,” she said.

Hundreds of residents have already applied for assistance ahead of the September 16 deadline. FEMA has been collaborating closely with local and state agencies to ensure resources are directed where they are most needed.

Monica Myles, a public affairs specialist with the Small Business Administration (SBA), highlighted the importance of applying for aid without delay. “They don’t have to wait for insurance to apply and they can also apply to FEMA as well,” Myles said. She noted that while funds from insurance and SBA cannot be duplicated, the assistance can expedite recovery.

Despite significant progress in Ohio County, FEMA acknowledges that the recovery process is ongoing and urges anyone who hasn’t yet applied for aid to do so before the deadline. “Again, that deadline is September 16 and it’s important that anyone impacted by the flood applies and submits the appropriate documents,” said Fuller.

Keep checking our website for  additional details

Flash flood warning issued for Phoenix area

A flash flood warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Phoenix at 3:49 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 3. This warning applies to Gila and Maricopa counties.

The National Weather Service warns: “Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Flooding is occurring or is imminent. It is important to know where you are relative to streams, rivers, or creeks which can become killers in heavy rains. Campers and hikers should avoid streams or creeks.”

See weather radar for metro Phoenix area

What are weather service meteorologists saying?

At 3:49 p.m., the National Weather Service issued a statement:

“The National Weather Service in Phoenix has issued a Flash Flood Warning for: Gila County in east central Arizona, Maricopa County in south central Arizona, Until 7 p.m. MST. At 3:49 p.m. MST, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 0.5 and 1 inch of rain has fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.5 to 1 inch are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

HAZARD: Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing flash flooding.

SOURCE: Radar.

IMPACT: Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include: Apache Lake and Tortilla Flat.”

What is a flash flood?

A flash flood is a flood caused by heavy or excessive rainfall in a short period of time, generally less than six hours, according to the weather service. Flash floods are usually characterized by raging torrents after heavy rains. A flash flood can be sudden and violent and take just minutes to develop. It is possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.

What’s the difference between a flash flood watch and a flash flood warning?

A flash flood warning is issued when a flood is imminent or occurring, the weather service says. If you are in a flood-prone area, you should move immediately to high ground. The weather service issues a flash flood watch when flash flooding is possible.

What to do during a flood warning

  • If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

  • Use a battery-operated radio or television to get the latest emergency information.

  • Do not walk through floodwater. Just 6 inches of floodwater can sweep you off your feet if it is moving swiftly.

  • Turn around, don’t drown: Do not drive into a flooded street. Cars can be swept away by 2 feet of moving water, or there may be unseen damage to the road. If you come to a flooded area, turn around and go another way. Most flood-related deaths are caused by people driving through water.

  • Watch out for fire hazards.

  • Stay alert and turn weather notifications on.

  • Do not allow children to play in flowing water. Waters can hide rocks, trees and debris.

Reporters Jana Hayes and Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez contributed to this article.

This weather report was generated automatically using information from the National Weather Service and a story written and reviewed by an editor.

See the latest weather alerts and forecasts here

“Deadly Chagas Disease: Symptoms & Risks”

It’s one of the most insidious diseases you’ve never heard of, but Chagas is here in California and 29 other states across the U.S.

It kills more people in Latin America than malaria each year, and researchers think roughly 300,000 people in the U.S. currently have it but are unaware.

That’s because the illness tends to lie dormant for years, making itself known only when its victim keels over via heart attack, stroke or death.

Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which lives in a bloodsucking insect called the kissing bug. There are roughly a dozen species of kissing bugs in the U.S. and three in California known to carry the parasite. Research has shown that in some places, such as Los Angeles’ Griffith Park, about a third of all kissing bugs harbor the Chagas disease parasite.

It’s why a team of epidemiologists, researchers and medical doctors are calling on the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to label the disease as endemic, meaning consistently present, in the U.S. They hope that will bring awareness, education, dialogue and potentially public health investment to a disease that has long carried a stigma, falsely associated with poor, rural migrants from bug-infected homes in far-off tropical nations.

“This is a disease that has been neglected and has been impacting Latin Americans for many decades,” said Norman Beatty, a medical epidemiologist at the University of Florida and an expert on Chagas disease. “But it’s also here in the United States.”

“We had a kid from the Hollywood Hills who got it,” said Salvador Hernandez, a cardiologist with Kaiser Permanente in Northern California. He said the patient had not traveled out of the country and probably got it in his leafy, affluent neighborhood, where kissing bugs are prevalent.

The parasite has also been detected in local wildlife, including wood rats, skunks and mice in Griffith Park, as well as in bats, raccoons and black bears in other parts of the state.

“Kissing bugs are pretty equal opportunity when it comes to who they take a blood meal from,” said Sarah Hamer, an epidemiologist at Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, listing a variety of animals, such as ocelots, bobcats, coyotes, birds, reptiles and amphibians.

“That means the reservoir for T. cruzi is pretty large,” she said.

California has the largest number of people in the U.S. infected with Chagas disease — between 70,000 and 100,000. That’s mostly because the state is home to so many people from countries where the disease is endemic. But it’s also because the parasite and vector live here, meaning some of those cases could be homegrown.

A small study by the state’s Department of Public Health, for instance, found that 31 of 40 human cases reported to the state from 2013 to 2023 — about 78% — were acquired in other countries. For the remaining cases, health officials couldn’t rule out local transmission.

Chagas disease is not a reportable illness in California, which means the state does not require physicians and health systems to report and investigate it, as it does with influenza, Lyme and malaria. However, it is reportable in Los Angeles and San Diego counties; Los Angeles was the first county in the state to mandate reporting of the disease.

For the record:

10:39 a.m. Sept. 2, 2025A previous version of this story said there were 18 cases of Chagas disease in Los Angeles County between 2019 and 2023. The actual number is 180.

From 2019 to 2023, health officials confirmed about 180 cases of Chagas disease in L.A. County, “although many more cases likely go undiagnosed,” the department wrote in a statement. It said most of the identified cases involved overseas infections, but some appear to be locally acquired.

Gabriel Hamer, an entomologist at Texas A&M, said that confirmed human cases in the U.S. represent “just the tip of the iceberg” and that nobody really knows how many people actually have the disease. “There’s no standardized reporting system. There’s no active surveillance.”

Most people find out they have the disease only after trying to donate blood, Hamer said.

Janeice Smith, a retired teacher in Florida, discovered she had it in 2022 after receiving a letter from her local donation center telling her she’d tested positive and should go see a physician.

Smith now runs a nonprofit to increase awareness of Chagas, which she said she probably got in 1966 when her family went to Mexico for vacation. She had returned home with a swollen eye and high fever, and was hospitalized for several weeks. No one found out what caused her symptoms until almost six decades later.

Hamer said proteins in the kissing bugs’ saliva can cause acute reactions, such as swollen limbs, eyes and anaphylaxis, all unrelated to the disease-carrying parasite.

But it’s the longer-term or chronic effects that cause the most harm. And because the disease is not well known, and its symptoms are often indistinguishable from other forms of cardiac and organ damage, it’s likely that many people are showing up to their doctors’ offices with heart arrhythmia, a swollen esophagus, seizures and stroke without ever being screened.

“The disease is definitely underdiagnosed,” said Hernandez, the Kaiser cardiologist. “If we screened for it and caught it early, most patients could be cured. The problem is we don’t, and people end up dying or requiring terrifically expensive care,” including organ transplants and surgery.

Antiparasitic medications can be used to stop disease progression.

Chagas disease also is prevalent in dogs that show similar clinical signs, heart failure or arrhythmias.

“We’ll see these acutely infected, usually young dogs that might be puppies, or dogs less than 1 or 2 years of age that are really adversely affected. And then we would have dogs that would come in older, and they might be in heart failure,” said Ashley Saunders, a Texas A&M veterinary cardiologist.

She said dogs often acquire the disease by eating the bugs, which give a much higher “dose” of the parasite than a few bug poops in a cut.

More relevant updates

New development adds hundreds of affordable housing units in Halawa

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – After a two-year construction period, a new affordable housing development is now open in Halawa.

A blessing and grand opening took place on Friday at Naulu Apartments on Kalaloa Street.

The 25-story building overlooking Pearl Harbor features 302 studio, one-, two-, and four-bedroom units reserved for households earning between 30 and 60% of the area median income.

“It’s such a blessing for me and my family, because the size of our family and the cost of rentals in Hawaii are so high,” said resident Robert Lindsey.

Rents including utilities will range from $704 for a studio for individuals at the 30% AMI level to $2,404 for a four-bedroom unit for those at the 60% AMI level, based on the 2024 U.S. Housing and Urban Development guidelines.

Officials say it is the largest low-income housing tax credit project built in Hawaii in the last 15 years.

The new construction is being hailed as a major step toward resolving the state’s housing crisis, given the rising cost of living and scarcity of affordable homes around Hawaii.

To accommodate a range of household sizes, the units will feature a mix of apartments with one, two, and three bedrooms. In order to create a balanced and livable environment, the design also includes amenities like green spaces, community spaces, and easy access to public transit.

Advocates for affordable housing point out that projects like these support long-term community stability and economic growth in addition to offering those who are struggling with high rents immediate respite. Families may devote more funds to healthcare, education, and other necessities if housing expenses are kept reasonable.

“Naulu Apartments is a shining example of the good that can be accomplished when the private sector, the state government and city government come together for a common objective,” said Gov. Josh Green of the $168 million project.

As a condition of government financing, rents will remain affordable for low-income households for at least 61 years.

The developer, Pacific Development Group, commissioned local artists to paint several murals on the property. Gavin Murai, who lives in the area, created an abstract, two-story artwork in soft, blue hues near the elevator bank.

Murai said of his inspiration, “Every day when I drive out to drop off my daughter at school, I look toward the valley and see the clouds rolling in over the Koolaus, which has a misty calming effect.”

Additional relevant updates