Steins & Wine event successful despite cooler temperatures

  • Photo • Ron Wallace HHI Volunteers, from left, Misti Muscat, Lynne Maniotes and Wendy Slaton hold up gift bags for attendees to use as they enjoy wine, beer, food or items from crafty vendors during the annual Steins & Wine event.
    Photo • Ron Wallace HHI Volunteers, from left, Misti Muscat, Lynne Maniotes and Wendy Slaton hold up gift bags for attendees to use as they enjoy wine, beer, food or items from crafty vendors during the annual Steins & Wine event.
  • Becky Long • Clay County Progress Deanne Michnick and Bridget Shatkus, of Shooting Creek’s Eagle Fork Vineyards, prepare a warm mulled wine drink for a visitor to Saturday’s event.
    Becky Long • Clay County Progress Deanne Michnick and Bridget Shatkus, of Shooting Creek’s Eagle Fork Vineyards, prepare a warm mulled wine drink for a visitor to Saturday’s event.
  • Becky Long • Clay County Progress David Grace and Emily Brown relax after a busy evening manning the Nocturnal booth during Steins & Wine Around the Square.
    Becky Long • Clay County Progress David Grace and Emily Brown relax after a busy evening manning the Nocturnal booth during Steins & Wine Around the Square.

    By Sandy Zimmerman

    Guest Writer

     

    The annual Steins & Wine Octoberfest event was a bit breezy with lower than normal temperatures but well attended by more than 300 folks willing to come into the Historic Clay County Courthouse/Beal Center square on Saturday, Oct. 1 to shop with vendors.

    The Small Town Main Street/Historic Hayesville, Inc. event volunteer team watched weather reports and moved ahead without rain as they prepared vendor spaces to open the gates at 4 p.m. with some sunshine.

    Warm food was available from HHI or Hayesville Q with signature cups or glasses provided in attendee gift bags to enjoy beer or wine. Seven gift baskets valued at more than $100 each and filled with items donated from local businesses were available to lucky winners.

    Thanks to those who braved the cool weather to attend the annual event and see what’s new in downtown Hayesville. Proceeds from ticket sales will support STMS/HHI downtown projects and repairs to the Centennial Exhibit scheduled to be open for the annual Shop Small Shop Local promotion in November.

    HHI Board of Directors extends appreciation to all vendors, sponsors and many volunteers who made it possible for attendees to enjoy products from local or area vendors, some of whom have participated in the annual event for many years. HHI is a 501c3 nonprofit organization completely managed by volunteers.

    Visit: www.historichayesvilleinc.com to join HHI community partner efforts or donate to downtown projects.