Wine Fest: Event marks 10 years in Historic Downtown Sikeston

SIKESTON — When Historic Downtown Sikeston members first decided to host a wine festival 10 years ago, organizers said they had no idea it would quickly grow into one of Sikeston’s largest events.

“If 100 people showed up, we would have been happy,” Charlette Vanover, chair of the Wine Festival Committee, said about the first year. “We really were surprised at the success our first year, and since then, more and more people come each year.”

In 2018, more than 1,000 people turned out for the event, which benefits projects to revitalize Historic Downtown Sikeston. It’s not only Sikeston residents who attend, but those from surrounding communities and they come as far north as St. Louis.

The 2019 wine glass for the 10th Annual Historic Downtown Sikeston Wine Festival is pictured. This is the first year the glass is stemless, event organizers said.Leonna Heuring/Standard Democrat

The 2019 wine glass for the 10th Annual Historic Downtown Sikeston Wine Festival is pictured. This is the first year the glass is stemless, event organizers said.Leonna Heuring/Standard Democrat

Vanover said there is one couple, who for several years, plan their trip to Texas around the wine festival because they stop at the event on their way through Sikeston and then go on to Texas.

Lynn Lancaster, director of Historic Downtown Sikeston, said last year at least two classes held reunions during the wine festival.

“It’s a big social event and appeals to all people ages 21 and older,” Lancaster said.

Historic Downtown Sikeston Wine Festival committee members raise their glasses to this year’s 10th annual event. Pictured are, from left: Allen Meeks, Dink Boes, HDS Director Lynn Lancaster, Charlette Vanover, Brandy Manning, Kathy Medley and Lisa Russell.Leonna Huering/Standard Democrat

Historic Downtown Sikeston Wine Festival committee members raise their glasses to this year’s 10th annual event. Pictured are, from left: Allen Meeks, Dink Boes, HDS Director Lynn Lancaster, Charlette Vanover, Brandy Manning, Kathy Medley and Lisa Russell.Leonna Huering/Standard Democrat

Set for 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 14, this year’s festival will feature samples from area wineries and hors d’oeuvres from Historic Downtown Sikeston businesses and sponsors.

“It is the perfect event for a night downtown with friends or significant others,” Lancaster said.

Three wineries — Apple Creek, River Ridge and Hemman — will offer a collective total of 30 different wines to sample. Jeremiah’s will also be on hand to offer samples.

Susie’s Bake Shoppe in Sikeston will provide a buffet of samples. Three food trucks — Abuela’s Mexican Kitchen, Caribbeana Creole Taqueria and Mini Farm Mafia BBQ — will also be on site.

Attendees can purchase chances to win a wine basket raffle which includes a gift certificate to Edg-Clif Winery.

Live music will be performed by The Real Deal.

“Listen to great music and enjoy fantastic local wines while Center Street is transformed into a beautiful scene perfect for a night out on the town,” Lancaster said.

He noted the businesses on Center Street will be open during regular hours on the day of the wine festival.

Event organizers said there were several sponsors for this year’s event, including Dr. Hollis Tidman of Sikeston who sponsored the wine glasses for attendees.

“We have lots of folks who help make the festival happen for our community,” Lancaster said.

There’s always room for more volunteers, Lancaster said. Volunteers can help with event setup at 8 a.m. the day of the event and take down lights and tables at 8 a.m. the day after the event. Generally, it takes about two hours, he said.

Vanover described the event as an “enchanted evening.” She said others who’ve attended the event have said they felt like they were in another place.

“It’s an outdoor festival. There are strands of lights in the street It’s just a great ambience,” Lancaster said.

Kathy Medley, who is also a member of the Wine Festival committee, said attendees enjoy the atmosphere simply to socialize.

“It’s a small price to pay to sit outside and see people you haven’t seen in a while,”

For $20, attendees will receive a souvenir stemless wine glass and tickets for free samples. Attendees can reserve tables for a nominal fee.

Vanover said while it is a wine festival, attendees do not have to drink alcohol.

“You do not have to drink wine to attend or to have fun,” Vanover assured.

Attendees do, however, have to be 21 and older, and IDs are checked at the entrance, she said.

“It’s a fun event,” Medley said. “We’ve got a good recipe. Why would we want to change that?”

Ticket can be purchased by calling (573) 380-3801 or visiting the Sikeston Regional Chamber & Area Economic Development Corp.