The first event logo from 2014 shows CCCRA as sponsor and funds raised supported the historic courthouse restoration. CCCRA and HHI continue to work together on downtown select projects.
By Sandy Zimmerman
Guest Writer
As we approach the 11th Annual Steins & Wine event from 4-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 in downtown Hayesville, below are some history notes about Clay County’s 2009 alcohol election:
• Prior to the election, locals who wished to purchase beer, wine or related mixed beverage items traveled to counties within a short distance who had licensed ABC stores.
• Attention to overturn the ban on alcohol sales since 1949 was spearheaded by The Coalition to Keep Tax Dollars in Clay County to get the issue on a ballot. All Clay County precincts reported results shortly after 9 p.m. on Aug. 18, 2009 with approval for an ABC Store, beer, wine and mixed beverage sales by an average of 61 percent approval for all four issues with 39 percent against any form of alcohol sales by 8,859 voters participating.
• Regardless of voter and community sentiment for or against the sale of alcohol and related products, the vote created a plus for local economy with the inclusion of beer, wine and mixed drink sales.
• Restaurant locations increased with permits and menus to include alcohol sales along with opening an ABC store which provided more tax dollars locally for Clay County community services. The approval had limitations for all alcohol related sales to be inside business locations which prevented outdoor events with any beer or wine sales.
• The limitation was later overturned in early 2014 by Clay County Commissioners when a new alcohol ordinance was presented for their vote resulting in additional economic and fundraising opportunities. Businesses and organizations were allowed to obtain valid full time or temporary N.C. State ABC permits for bringing more attention to downtown or surrounding areas. Wine Around the Square in 2013 was the first recognized area alcohol event in southwestern North Carolina and north Georgia.
Hopefully this bit of local history will inspire folks to attend this year’s Steins & Wine event fundraiser sponsored by Historic Hayesville Inc. as the 501c3 arm of the local Small Town Main Street program to support downtown and local partner projects.
Visit: www.historichayesvilleinc.com for event details, to volunteer or donate to HHI projects.