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Free Wine, Prizes At Summit Business 20-Year Celebration

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  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, October 27th 2025 at 21:49 GMT by Patch
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Summit Celebrates Two Decades of Commerce with Free‑Wine Extravaganza

The town of Summit, New Jersey, marked a milestone in its commercial history this weekend with a lively celebration of the Summit Business Association’s 20th anniversary. The event, held at the Summit Civic Center on Saturday, March 24, drew dozens of local entrepreneurs, residents, and dignitaries who mingled over complimentary wine tastings, live music, and a showcase of the area’s thriving businesses.

At the heart of the festivities were a series of free‑wine prizes, a highlight that underscored the community’s appreciation for local hospitality. Visitors could win bottles of premium Napa Valley varietals, a wine‑gift basket featuring regional vintages, and a ticket to an exclusive wine‑tasting dinner hosted by the Summit Chamber of Commerce. The prizes were sponsored by Vineyard & Spirits of Summit, a boutique wine shop that has supplied the town’s restaurants for years, and by Summit Winery, a neighboring vineyard that has grown in reputation since its opening in 2015.

The celebration was kicked off at 10 a.m. with a ribbon‑cutting ceremony led by Mayor Melissa P. Johnson. In her remarks, Mayor Johnson highlighted the economic resilience of Summit’s downtown core and the role the Business Association has played in fostering growth over the past two decades. “When we started this association 20 years ago, we had a simple goal: to bring together entrepreneurs, civic leaders, and residents to create a vibrant business environment. Today, that vision is alive and thriving, thanks to the dedication of our community members,” she said.

A Showcase of Local Enterprise

After the mayor’s address, the Civic Center’s main hall opened into a bustling expo floor. More than 30 vendors exhibited a diverse range of products and services, from artisanal baked goods at Baker’s Delight to cutting‑edge tech solutions offered by Summit Innovations. Many of the exhibitors were long‑time participants in the Business Association’s annual networking lunches, and they took the opportunity to display their latest offerings.

Business owners who attended the event shared anecdotes about their journey. Carlos Ramirez, owner of the popular Mexican‑American fusion restaurant Café del Sol, recounted how the Business Association’s monthly “Lunch & Learn” sessions had helped him refine his menu and secure a partnership with the local food cooperative. “I still remember the first time we attended a meeting,” Ramirez said. “It was a small group, but the ideas we exchanged were priceless.”

Other exhibitors included Summit Green Living, a sustainable landscaping company; Metro Design Studio, a boutique interior‑design firm; and Summit Books & Beyond, a locally‑owned bookstore that opened its doors in 2008. The exhibitors’ collective presence underscored Summit’s status as a hub for a wide range of industries, from hospitality and retail to technology and environmental services.

Wine‑Tasting Prizes and Community Spirit

The free‑wine prizes were distributed in a series of contests throughout the day. One of the most popular contests was the “Guess the Grape” game, in which participants guessed the predominant grape variety in a mystery wine. Correct answers earned attendees a bottle of the featured wine, while everyone who entered received a complimentary tasting voucher for Vineyard & Spirits of Summit.

In addition to the wine contests, the event featured a live acoustic performance by local folk musician Lydia Greene. Her set provided a relaxed backdrop for attendees to network, share business ideas, and indulge in the free‑wine offerings.

Looking Ahead

As Summit Business Association prepares to celebrate its 20th year, the organization’s board plans to expand its outreach efforts and launch a new mentorship program for emerging entrepreneurs. “We’re proud of what we’ve achieved, but we know there’s still more to do,” said Jennifer Lee, the association’s executive director. “Our next goal is to build a stronger pipeline for small‑business growth, especially in under‑represented communities.”

The free‑wine celebration served not only as a festive way to mark the anniversary but also as a testament to Summit’s collaborative spirit. By combining a celebration of the town’s past successes with a forward‑looking agenda, the Summit Business Association demonstrates its commitment to ensuring the town’s economic vitality for the next 20 years and beyond.

For more details on the 20th‑anniversary celebration, including event schedules and vendor lists, visit the Summit Business Association’s official website or contact the organization’s office directly.