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15th annual Sikeston Wine Fest returns Saturday

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Sikeston Wine Fest Returns for 15th Year – A Celebration of Local Wineries, Food, and Community Spirit

Sikeston’s beloved wine‑fest is making a grand comeback this Saturday, September 7, 2025, after a brief hiatus that left the city’s wine‑enthusiasts itching for a return to the vineyards and tastings. The 15th annual event will unfold at the Sikeston Municipal Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering a day of fine wine, live entertainment, culinary delights, and family‑friendly activities for residents and visitors alike.


A Festival That’s Grown Into a Regional Tradition

The Sikeston Wine Fest began as a modest gathering of local vineyards back in 2010, but it has blossomed into the region’s largest wine‑centric event. This year, the festival is slated to feature more than 35 wineries, craft beer gardens, and artisanal food stalls, creating a mosaic of flavors that highlight both Southern terroir and international influences. “Every year we try to bring something new to the table,” said festival organizer Maria Hernandez, who has overseen the event since its inception. “From new wine‑tasting stations to interactive cooking demos, the goal is to keep the experience fresh for repeat visitors and first‑timers alike.”

Hernandez also noted that the festival’s success has translated into community impact. The 2024 event generated an estimated $350,000 in local sales and contributed $50,000 to the “Sikeston Youth Arts” foundation, which supports arts programs in local schools. “Wine and wine‑fest are about more than just the drinks,” she added. “It’s about supporting our community, fostering entrepreneurship, and sharing the stories behind our winemakers.”


Highlights and New Additions

Wine Tastings & Pairings
A wide array of wine‑tasting opportunities will be available. Visitors can sample classic American reds and whites, as well as lesser‑known varietals such as Viognier and Grüner Veltliner. In a first‑time partnership with the Southern Food & Wine Foundation, the festival will host a “Wine & Cheese Pairing” segment, where local chefs will demonstrate how to create the perfect harmony between a select wine and a complementary cheese.

Live Music and Entertainment
The festival’s entertainment lineup includes two stages. The main stage will feature a rotating lineup of local musicians ranging from blue‑grass to contemporary folk. Highlights include the up‑and‑coming country duo “Hilltop Harmony” and the jazz trio “Riverstone.” A second stage will be devoted to children’s entertainment, featuring face painting, balloon animals, and a “Storytime & Sip” corner for parents looking to relax while their kids play.

Kid‑Friendly Zone
Parents will find a “Family Fun” zone complete with a mini‑farmer’s market, a cooking station for kids, and a “Sikeston Story Booth” where local storytellers will read classic folktales. The area also offers a “Build‑Your‑Own “Mini‑Vineyard” craft station for children to design and decorate their own tiny vineyard.

Charity Raffle and Giveaways
All ticket sales will be donated to the Sikeston Food Bank, with a grand prize of a 30‑day “Sikeston Vineyard Getaway” hosted by the local vineyard. The event will also include a “Wine Treasure Hunt” where guests can search for clues around the park to win a limited‑edition wine bottle.

Vendor & Sponsor Spotlight
Key sponsors for this year include the Sikeston Chamber of Commerce, “Sikeston City Bank,” and local craft beer producer “Midwest Brewing Co.” These partners will be featured at the main pavilion, offering exclusive promotional materials and special discounts for festival attendees. The festival’s official website lists an additional 12 vendors that are new to the lineup, ranging from artisanal chocolate makers to handcrafted candle artisans.


Getting There

The festival is situated at the main entrance of Sikeston Municipal Park, adjacent to the town’s historic courthouse. The venue will be accessible via public transportation; a free shuttle service will operate from the downtown bus terminal at 9 a.m. and every 30 minutes thereafter. For those arriving by car, the park offers ample parking and a designated “Wine‑Festival” drop‑off zone at the south entrance.

The festival’s official map, available on the website, outlines each section: the “Main Pavilion,” “Kids’ Zone,” “Raffle Booth,” and “Charity Corner.” It also points to a “Sikeston Wine Trail” – a self‑guided route that takes visitors through all participating wineries, allowing for a curated tasting experience.


Safety and Health Measures

The festival organizers have taken precautions to ensure a safe environment. Hand‑sanitizing stations will be installed throughout the park, and a “Quiet Zone” will be set up for guests who may need a break from the crowds. All vendors will provide their own protective gear, and the event will comply with any local health regulations in place at the time of the festival.


Final Words

“Wine brings people together,” Hernandez said as she closed the article. “Whether it’s a seasoned oenophile or someone who simply enjoys a good glass of rosé, the festival provides a shared space to explore, learn, and celebrate the fruits of our land.”

With a day of tastings, music, family activities, and community goodwill, the 15th annual Sikeston Wine Fest promises to be a memorable affair for all who attend. Mark your calendars, invite your friends, and head to Sikeston Municipal Park this Saturday for a toast to the city’s vibrant wine culture and its continued growth.


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