It’s been a busy summer in downtown Napa, with enough events to offer something for everybody. If you missed any or all of the festivities, the good news is that we saved the best for last.

The third annual Wine Country Cajun event is Oct. 3, 1-6 p.m. This event was a huge hit from day one, and with good reason. It features stages of Zydeco and New Orleans music, cooking demonstrations, great brews, Cajun food, wine tasting and fun activities for the kids. And as always, admission is free.

The New Belgium Brewing Mardi Gras Stage opens with Gator Beat, followed by Henry Clement, aka Chief Takawaka & The Gumbo Band. The Napa High School Marching Band returns for an encore parade performance, taking First Street by storm. The Blue Moon Cajun Zydeco Dance Stage features Mark St. Mary Louisiana Zydeco Band and the Zydeco Flames. Stop there for a free dance lesson and perfect your Cajun two-step.

Featured festival chefs are also proprietors of renown Napa Downtown restaurants: Greg Cole of Cole’s Chop House and Celadon, along with Joe Salerno of Piccolino’s Italian Restaurant & Bar. There are lots of things for the kids to do – bring the whole family. Laissez les bon temps rouler!

Anette’s Chocolates has gone triple nut

Anette’s Chocolates, at 1321 First St., recently achieved the specialty food industry’s highest honor.

Their Triple Nut Kentucky Bourbon Brittle was awarded the 2009 Outstanding Snack Food during the 37th annual sofi Awards Competition. Considered the Oscars of the specialty food trade, the sofi awards recognize outstanding specialty foods and beverages in    33 categories.

Sofi stands for Specialty Outstanding Food Innovation. In addition to bragging rights of the being the best of the best, Anette’s also received a Golden Chef statue.

This is a huge accomplishment for Anette’s Chocolates, which has been making chocolates, dessert toppings, ice cream and brittles at their downtown location for the past 18 years. “Brittle production has increased dramatically since winning this award,” said candy maker Brent Madsen. “But we aren’t complaining.”

The Triple Nut Kentucky Bourbon Brittle is a blend of almonds, pistachios, pecans, a smooth Kentucky bourbon and just the right salt/sweet combination to make it down right addictive. Free samples of all Anette’s brittles are available at both their First Street and Oxbow Public Market locations.

This is not the first time that Anette’s Chocolates has won this prestigious award. Their Micro Brew Beer Brittle and Micro Brew Fiery Beer Brittle are also sofi award winners. Do you need any other reasons to stop in and try some?

Open seven days a week.

Just a reminder...

The sixth annual Halloween parade will be held on Halloween this year, at 2 p.m., downtown. Costumed kids of all ages are invited. Look for a flyer from your child’s school with information, and more here, later.

See you downtown!

Craig Smith is the executive director of the Napa Downtown Association, and can be reached at 257-0322 or craig@napadowntown.com.