World-famous pears, award-winning wines, food, demonstrations, art, live music and more are a part of the Pear and Wine Festival Friday through Sunday, May 18-20, at the Hood River County Fairgrounds.

The festival is back after a five-year hiatus, at a new location.

“We are ready. We have a lot of local vendors lined up,” said Jean Godfrey, executive director of the the Hood River Grower-Shipper Association, which co-sponsors the event with the county Fair Board.

“We’ve had many e-mails and phone calls from people out of town, asking for directions,” Godfrey said.

The Hood River Pear and Wine Festival will be held at the Hood River County Fairgrounds Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, May 18-20.

The Friday evening opening, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., is “Locals Night.” While no one, from any hometown, will be turned away, the Friday evening preview is being promoted only in the Columbia Gorge.

Gorge residents are invited to enjoy an advanced look at this fun and relaxed celebration of two of the area’s signature products —pears and wines.

Following the Friday evening preview, the Hood River Pear and Wine Festival will be held May 19-20, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Admission is $5 per person each of the three days of the festival, and parking is free. The event is presented by the Hood River Grower-Shipper Association and the Hood River County Fair Board.

Sample ripe Hood River winter pears from last autumn’s crop, kept fresh through the winter in controlled-atmosphere storage. Try wines, with a focus on vintages from the wineries of the Columbia Gorge — many of them award-winning. Wineries from beyond the Gorge will be taking part, as well.

In addition to wine and fresh fruit, there will be foods such as chocolate, cheese and bread to complement pears and wines. Cooking demonstrations will show dishes using fruit, wine and other fine products. Learn tips about growing pears and grapes and about making wine by talking to pear growers and winemakers.

Enjoy live entertainment Saturday and Sunday afternoons, and Saturday evening ranging from polka to easy listening to hula, in an outdoor tent pavilion.

On-site food vendors will serve up choices including seafood, barbecue, teriyaki and Mexican foods. Find fruit desserts, too, and both indoor and outdoor seating areas. Fine artisans will show and sell quality jewelry, paintings, pottery, photography, and more.

The fairgrounds are located at the intersection of Summit and Wy’east roads.

For more information about the 2007 Hood River Pear and Wine Festival, call 387-4769, e-mail hrgsa2@gorge.net, or check the Web site at www.hrgsa.org.