KANE – For the third year in a row, Flickerwood Wine Cellars will be filled with music, laughter and a community united for a good cause during the Screw Cancer Festival set for noon to 10 p.m. today.

What started as a heartfelt effort to support a beloved family member has grown into one of Kane’s most meaningful summer events. The festival started as a way to support the late Ron Zampogna, founder of the Flickerwood Wine Cellars, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and treated at Warren General Cancer Care Center. He passed away Aug. 27, 2024.

His children carry on this festival to honor him and all those who are affected by cancer.

“This started because of our dad,” said Julie Wehner, Ron’s daughter and one of the event’s organizers. “We wanted to find a way to support him, bring our community together and raise awareness about this disease.”

In its first two years, the event has raised more than $30,000 for the cancer center.

“I think the first year we raised $13,000 and the next year we raised $16,000,” said Wehner. “Last year, they were able to buy a piece of equipment they needed.”

This year’s festival will carry even more of a personal significance for the family.

“My cousin Eric Lundeen, who has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, is featured on this year’s flyer,” said Wehner.

This year’s event is bigger and better than ever. It will feature a full day of live music, raffle baskets, silent auction and live auction items. Auctioneer Robin Imbrogno will keep the bids flowing. And of course, there will be delicious food and wine available.

“People should expect good music, good wine, good food and a lot of fun,” Wehner said.

Feel free to get artistic at the community art project, which will be featured at this year’s event. Wehner said she hopes that everyone will feel free to add their mark.

“We ordered a kind of big mural that we have hung up on the side of the winery,” said Wehner. “We will have markers and crayons available for everyone to add their own special touch.”

The festival will also include a blood drive, one of the cornerstones of the event.

Caitlyn Zampogna donates blood at last year’s event.

Photo provided

“I hope people leave with a feeling of pride,” said Wehner. “Whether they contributed to the raffles or donated blood, they have helped support a good cause.”

There will be t-shirts available for purchase. Attendees are also invited to buy a Chinese lantern. Once it gets dark, guests will be able to light their lanterns and release them into the sky in an emotional and visually stunning moment of remembrance. For Wehner, the lantern release is a particularly poignant ceremony.

“It really is beautiful to see them all float up to the sky,” she said.

Lanterns released at last year’s event.

For Wehner and her family, the community response over the last few years has been overwhelming.

“The community up here always amazes me with how they come together to support causes like this,” she said. “It shows we really have that small-town spirit of helping one another.”

For more information, call Flickerwood Wine Cellars at (814) 837-7566.