Lockport Union-Sun & Journal — Tickets are going fast for the second annual Niagara Wine and Beer Fest which will be held on Saturday from 5-9 p.m. at the Kenan Center Arena, according to Marketing Director Elaine Harrigan.

Last year’s event sold out as locals used the event as a day to get out of the house from the mid-winter blahs. Kenan Center officials expect another sellout this year.

The Fest will feature a variety of wineries and breweries, live music with JJ Swing and DJ Vince Davis Jr., a silent auction, basket raffle, 50/50 split and a selection of food vendors. New this year will be a $5 food voucher included with each admission. In addition, attendees will receive a souvenir tasting glass and 20 tasting tickets.

Everybody will receive a “goodie bag,” a souvenir pen and a tasting journal to write down their favorite wines. This year, there’s an expanded tasting floor, a new entrance and ID/ticket process to streamline entry and multiple food choices. Bottles of wine will be available for purchase.

Mark Jaekle and Kellena Kane are the returning co-chairs. 

The Winery at Marjim Manor and Long Cliff Winery will join Chateau Niagara Winery, Honeymoon Trail Winery, Niagara Landing Wine Cellars, Schulze Vineyards & Winery, Victorianbourg Wine Estate, Winery of Ellicottville and Spring Lake Winery which participated at last year’s highly successful event.

Breweries featured are: Flying Bison, Saranac, Brooklyn, Long Trail, and Lake Placid, plus three new breweries: Ithaca Beer Company, Great Lakes Brewing Company, and McKenzie Brewing Company.

A variety of food vendors and exhibitors will be on hand including: Blackman Steadman Farms, Hens Honey Bee Farm, Murphy Orchards, Premier Gourmet, The Wine Trail Italian Bistro and Wagner’s Restaurant.

Pre-sale tickets are $25 through Friday at the Kenan Center Business Office, 433 Locust Street, or at the Kenan Center Arena, 195 Beattie Ave. Tickets can also be purchased online at NiagaraWineAndBeerFest.com. Admission on the day of the event will be $35, and will be available at the arena starting at 11 a.m. 

Safe and responsible drinking is encouraged. Designated drivers will be admitted for $10 at the door. Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages will be available.This is an adult only event. 

Major sponsors are Renewal by Andersen of WNY and Uniland Development Company. Additional support is provided by DLC Creative Inc, External Experts, Friends of the Kenan Herb Club, Kax Solutions & Services, Kenan Arts Council, Kenan Quilters’ Guild, Morris Masonry, Murphy Insurance Agency, The Law Office of Jon Louis Wilson, Ulrich Sign Co., and Watts Engineering.

For more information, call 433-2617 or email info@kenancenter.org.