Doug and Marti Kohen with Jamie and Bob Johnson working the Lamorinda Weekly wine booth last year. Hope to see you again! Photo Andy Scheck

Don't even think about parking on Mt. Diablo Boulevard, or at La Fiesta Square, Bank of the West, The Round Up, Uncle Yu's and the Hen House after 4:00 p.m. this Friday through 10:00 p.m. on Sunday for the Art and Wine Festival. Organizers need to make room for the multitude of artists' booths, beer, wine and food vendors, stages and the always popular kid zone. It takes a village to throw a party this big.

Crews of volunteers from the Chamber of Commerce will set up 65 barricades and 100 orange cones to help drivers take the hint.

Just like past Art and Wine Festivals, on Friday afternoon Mt. Diablo will be closed from Oak Hill to Dewing along with a portion of Lafayette Circle; in food terms - from Panda Express to Starbucks to Chow. Look for "No Parking" signs at 4:00 p.m. and "Road Closed" signs before 5:00 p.m.

A slight exception is that last call at Petars' parking lot will be 2:00 a.m. on Friday; the restaurant and bar will be open during the Festival, patrons will just have to walk there.

"We are leaving Fiesta Lane open on Friday night and will be moving the barricade back to behind Chow around 6:00 a.m. on Saturday morning," said Jay Lifson, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce.

The event officially ends at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, and police will be on hand to gently encourage block party attendees to clear the streets - indicating that it's time finish your beer or wine and fork over the credit card on the fabulous painting you've been considering. Back to business, and parking, as usual on Monday morning.