800 attendees expected at Sept. 17 event

Brandon Kuehn, executive director of Downtown Sikeston's Historic Midtown Development Group, sorts through decorations and merchandise including the wine glass and T-shirt designed for the Downtown Sikeston Wine Festival set for 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 17 on Center Street. Leonna Heuring, Staff

Set for 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 17 on Center Street in Downtown Sikeston, the Historic Midtown Development Group is bringing back the Wine Festival for a second year.

"It went great last year, and we were very pleased with the turnout," said Brandon Kuehn, executive director of Downtown Sikeston's Historic Midtown Development Group. "We had more people than we ever expected last year, and we've tried to make plans that go above and beyond that for this year."

Charlette Vanover, chair of the festival, agreed, saying last year's festival was "absolutely wonderful." She estimated the event had a crowd of just over 700 last year with people attending from surrounding areas including St. Louis, Dexter, East Prairie and, of course, Sikeston.

"This year we're preparing for a little over 800 attendees. We didn't realize how well it would be received," Vanover said of the event.

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What: Historic Downtown Sikeston Wine Festival

When: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 17

Where: Center Street in Downtown Sikeston

Admission: Tickets are $20 and the price includes a souvenir wine glass designed by featured artist Lynn Lancaster (while supplies last). Tickets can be purchased at the event or in advance at Sikeston City Hall, from any Historic Midtown Development Group member and several locations, including Montgomery Bank, Sikeston Public Library, Susie's Bake Shoppe and Pizza Inn in Sikeston. Proceeds will benefit the Downtown Sikeston restoration projects.