By BRENT MARTIN
Missouri’s Great Northwest Winefest returns Saturday to Mound City.
The event is the main fundraiser for Northwest Missouri Enterprise Facilitation, a nonprofit that helps entrepreneurs and small businesses in six counties.
Event Coordinator, Amanda Griffin, says Northwest Missouri Enterprise Facilitation provides a wide range of services for businesses.
“We want to make sure that these businesses are here to stay, sticking it out through thick and thin,” Griffin tells KFEQmmunity. “If they need business coaching, we send somebody out to chat with them and we’ll brainstorm different ways to just help them, help them compete in this ever-changing market.”
Missouri’s Great Northwest Winefest begins at 11:30am Saturday in the North Griffith Park in Mound City.
Griffin says the Great Northwest Winefest offers something for everyone.
“But you can check out over 60 artisans and food vendors that are available and listen all day long. We’ll have live music from 11:30 to 7 when we go ahead and close the festival out. But it’s going to be a fantastic day,” Griffin says. “If you’re into wineries and breweries and all of that stuff, it’s wonderful. But even if you’re not into that kind of stuff there’s plenty to do for everyone.”
This the 16th annual Missouri’s Great Northwest Winefest. Griffin says the event hit a hiccup during the coronavirus pandemic, but has come back strong as residents look to invest in experiences.
“They’re not investing in things any more so much, but they want that experience,” Griffin says. “Because they realized during that time (the pandemic) that their time is precious. And so, when they come here and they take time out with friends and family at this festival, that’s an experience that they’ll have forever and they’re realizing that. So, I’m pretty excited. And I think that’s the key to the growth for us.”
There will be more than 60 artists, drink, and food vendors at the Great Northwest Winefest in Mound City, including local vendors as well as regional. Four live acts will play on the stage: Angie Kelim, Ben Johnson as both young and old Elvis, The Curtis Stroud Band, and Josie Watkins.
The event runs from 11:30am to 7pm. Tickets are $30 for adults, $15 for designated drivers.
You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ