Erica Belluz and referee Jim Milligan measure up fresh-stomped grape juice at Harbour Estates Winery.

Jen Schott of NOTL (top) and Beverly McKeown of St. Catharines formed a dynamic pair at the Great Grape Stomp, held at Harbour Estates Winery in Jordan, Saturday, Sept. 27. The event raised $5,000 for United Way St. Catharines and District.

Flying bits of grape and shrieks of laughter combined at the eight annual Great Grape Stomp to raise $5,000 for United Way of St. Catharines and District.

Harbour Estate Winery in Jordan was the stomping grounds for the messy event, held Sept. 27 from noon to 5 p.m.

"Events like this are a great example of why every dollar counts," said Jocelyn Chedore, campaign associate. "It goes towards are $3.2-million campaign. Specifically, because the event was held in Jordan, the funds that were raised will stay local in Niagara West."

United Way of St. Catharines and District supports more than 70 programs through 41 local community agencies in Niagara.

The Great Grape Stomp is a fun event, in which teams of two compete against other challengers, stomping grapes into juice while knee-deep in a wine half-barrel. The two making the most juice in the allotted time win.

One teammate stomps while the other works to keep the juice flowing out of the hole in the barrel.

Over $6,500 was raised last year.