By Sandy Zimmerman
Guest Writer
Preparation for the Spring Steins & Wine Around the Square event on Saturday, May 21 is complete with 10 beer, wine and mead vendors setting up inside the Historic Clay County Courthouse/Beal Center grounds in downtown Hayesville.
Area breweries include Appalachian Grail, Balsam Falls Brewing Company, Buck Bald Brewing, Hayesville Brewing Company and Snowbird Mountains Brewery. Wineries will be Eagle Fork Vineyards, FernCrest Winery and Valley River Vineyards each with some new wines along with summer fizz creations for warm afternoons. Wehrloom will return from Graham County with their honey products and mead, an earlier drink created centuries ago but gaining popularity in our modern times.
The main entry gate for ticket purchases by cash, check or credit card will open at 4 p.m. at the corner of Sanderson and Herbert streets. A second gate at the corner of Sanderson and Church streets will provide additional entry for volunteers and attendees buying tickets with cash or checks only. In compliance with the North Carolina ABC Commission, everyone regardless of age over 21, must have valid identification to gain entry and get wristband attached to consume alcohol. Those from ages 12 to 20 must also purchase a ticket to enter but will not be served alcohol. Tickets are $15 each and available for advance purchase at Tiger's Store on Herbert Street or HHI Centennial Exhibit located on Sanderson Street next to Hayesville Post Office. The event continues until 7:30 p.m. and attendees will have chances to win any of six gift baskets with values starting at $100 and up.
Free transportation on the HHI Red Ryder cart will be provided from designated downtown parking areas beginning just before 4 p.m. and continue until closing time.
Snacks featuring High Mountan Meadows Creamery, SMM Farms strawberries, Town Mountain Farm & Cheesery, popcorn, ice coffee from Black Stagg Goods and other non alcohol drinks will be available for purchase with more food provided by Smoky Mountain BBQ to satisfy any appetite.
Picnic accessories and lawn chairs are welcome but pets, outside coolers or backpacks are not allowed.
It should be a great time to enjoy an evening out on our beautiful downtown square. Bring as little as possible to carry around but additional funds are recommended for tasting, buying a bottle or food to share and shopping for products from unique vendors.
This is the 8th annual wine event which started in fall of 2013 but had to be postponed after 2019 due to COVID. HHI is a 501c3 nonprofit organization and proceeds from each event have helped to support Clay County Communities Revitalization Association rehabilitation of the Historic Clay County Courthouse/Beal Center and repairs to the Old Jail Museum by Clay County Historic & Arts Council. Funds from this year's event will help to complete downtown projects including renovation by HHI of the Old Hayesville Town Hall to serve our community as a historical and cultural classroom located in Hayesville Heritage Park.
Rain date will be Sunday, May 22. Check the website: www.historichayesvilleinc.com for details.