Sipping by the River
Wine, Stein & Barrel fundraiser event offers patrons tasty drinks
Proceeds from the event are used
for riverfront projects
(June 2021) – One of Madison, Ind.’s most picturesque locations, the riverfront, will once again be the site of the seventh annual Madison Riverfront Wine, Stein and Barrel, hosted by the Madison Riverfront Development Committee. Organizers of this popular fundraiser are ready to help kick start the event season in Madison after its cancellation in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year’s affair will is scheduled from 6-10 p.m. Saturday, June 19 at Lamplighter Park. Committee member J.D. Webster promises a fun evening with beer, wine and bourbon selections. Included in the price of a ticket is a barbecue dinner with all the fixings from Vinnie and Sarah’s Catering. The event will also include an auction, with local auctioneer and Riverfront Development Committee member Jim Pruett back by popular demand.
“This will be our second year working with QTEGO, and we are excited to offer this convenient way to bid to our guests,” Webster said. The ever-popular QTEGO auction allows attendees a remote platform to bid by phone or in person on their favorite items, donated by both local and regional businesses. “QTEGO streamlines the auction process and makes it easier to purchase and pay for items,” said Webster.
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Photo provided The Madison Riverfront Development Committee fundraiser Wine, Stein & Barrel returns to the Madison riverfront in June. The event features wine, craft beer and bourbon. |
Proceeds from this event are earmarked for future riverfront projects, including the committee’s biggest project to date, the Madison Super Overlook. This $1.5 million venture will include a super overlook at the riverfront that will be 10 times larger than the current overlooks, an observation deck and lighted and terraced seating. The project is slated to begin after the annual Madison Regatta in July and completed before the Madison Regatta in July 2022. The committee has pledged $190,000, and the Madison Redevelopment Commission has added $250,000, along with a Community Foundation Grant of $25,000 toward this endeavor. Committee members say they hope to generate the balance with proceeds from their two popular fundraisers, Wine, Stein, and Barrel and the committee’s UTV/Golf Cart Poker Run in October, along with support from local businesses and community members.
Vice president John Bruns and president Jim Pruett have been on the committee for 20 years and have been instrumental in many riverfront enhancements. Bruns related these two fundraisers have a major impact on the ability to make much needed riverfront improvements. When asked about future projects, Bruns said he would like to see riverfront stabilization from the point, just above the Rivercrest Lighthouse Marina Restaurant and Lounge, east to the boat ramp, an area which has been unkempt for many years. He estimates this project alone could cost between $3 million to $5 million.
The Riverfront Development Committee was formed in 1986 by a group of local residents who had a vision to enhance the riverfront area and make it a gathering space for residents and visitors alike. This group is responsible for these riverfront improvements:
• 1.5-mile walkway with overlooks, benches, lights, and fencing
• Boat ramp repair and enhancement;
• 100-foot boat dock with a pump out station;
• Financial assistance for the popular river themed play area;
• Wind sculpture art project.
These projects total more than $650,000 in improvements to date. All proceeds for these projects have come from private donations, the two fundraisers and sales of bricks, benches and lights.
Back for the third year, this year’s title sponsor of Wine, Stein, and Barrel is Chandler Chevrolet. Businesses interested in donations or sponsorships for either of the fundraisers can contact any committee member. Sponsorships are available from $250.00 to $2,000. In-kind donations are also welcomed.
Donations can be made directly to Madison Riverfront Development Corp. Community Foundation Endowment Fund. A limited number of reserved tables are available for $250. These are available for both corporate and individual groups. Single tickets are $25 each and may be purchased in advance or the night of the event.
• Tickets are available at www.madisonriverfront.com. You can also contact Webster at (513) 213-5051 for tickets and more information. You must be 21 or older to attend, and IDs will be checked at the gate.
