By Andrea Cordle
Southwest Editor
The Wine and Arts Festival and the Bourbon Festival, both held in the Town Center, gain in popularity each year. But, for the event to be a success, city leaders must lighten the rules.
According to the Grove City code, no person shall possess an open container of beer or intoxicating liquor in a public place.
At the March 5 meeting, Grove City Council voted to waive the regular city provisions and allow the public consumption of alcohol for these two events.
Andy Furr, with Grove City Town Center Inc. (the group hosting the wine and bourbon festivals), said the events help the organization market the city and brings thousands to the city’s downtown area. Last year, approximately 27,000 people attended the Wine and Arts Festival, said Furr. About 25 percent of those in attendance were from out of state. More attendees are expected this year.
“We have 22 wineries this year,” said Furr. “That is over 200 wines to sample.”
The Wine and Arts Festival will be held this year from 5 to 10 p.m. June 15 and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 16 in the streets of the Town Center.
The Bourbon Festival started five years ago and continues to gain steam.
Furr said in 2017, between 6,500 and 7,000 people attended the event and people were lined up before it even started.
“Bourbon is a growing trend and we plan to ride that as long as it’s popular,” said Furr.
Furr even said they ran out of bourbon last year because of the demand, but said this year, they are ready.
“We are very proud of what the Bourbon Festival has become,” he said.
The Bourbon Festival will be held on Aug. 11 in the Town Center.
For more information on either of these events, visit www.grovecitytowncenter.org.
Proceeds from the events will help Town Center Inc. market the city to potential business owners and residents.
Typically, city council is also asked to waive its regular rules on alcohol for the annual homecoming celebration and softball tournament.
