Plans being finalized for annual Sikeston Wine Fest

SIKESTON — Over the past 13 years, the wine festival in Historic Downtown Sikeston has grown to be one of the community’s most popular events.

Every year, the event attracts not only Sikeston residents but also people from all over the area.

“This will be the 14th Annual Fall in Love with Downtown Sikeston Wine Festival and we are excited for this year’s event,”  said Charlette Vanover, president of Historic Downtown Sikeston. 

The annual event will be from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 7 on Center Street in Sikeston. According to Vanover, pre-sale tickets are $25 each until Sept. 5 at the Sikeston Post, located at 215 N. New Madrid St.

Vanover also said tickets will cost $30 per person at the event’s entrance. 

“The event will be pretty much the same as the years that have followed,” Vanover said. “Susie’s Bake Shoppe and Restaurant downtown will also cater the food that is free. But we will also have a couple of food trucks for people to purchase food if they wish.

Vanover continued: “Sometimes people like a little bit more than just crackers and cheese, and meatballs so there will be food trucks there too for people who would like to have a little bit more of a meal.”

According to Vanover, the wine festival has gained popularity in recent years.

“We have people who come from out of state,” Vanover said. “It’s unbelievable, we have people who come from Arizona every year. One year they were driving through town at the same time as the festival and stopped by and they enjoyed themselves so much they come back every year.”

According to Vanover, the festival’s wine vendors this year include River Ridge Winery, Boat House Venue and Wine, Hemman Winery, Apple Creek Vineyard and Winery, and Primo Vino Premium Spirits and Wines.

Vanover said there may be more wine vendors to follow. Susie’s will provide non-alcoholic refreshments for those who do not wish to drink wine, she said.

The band, Backroad Drive Music, will provide live entertainment at this year’s wine festival. Vanover said the band is from Southeast Missouri and she is excited to hear them perform this year.

According to Vanover, people really love the wine festival because it brings the community together. 

“You’ll have people sitting at tables with people that they may not know and they converse and have a good time,” Vanover said. “Plus, everyone gets to enjoy the nice weather and be outside.”

Vanover said those who would like VIP options and sponsorships can contact the Historic Downtown Sikeston director via email at director@downtownsikeston.org.