The Philomath Area Chamber of Commerce’s Sip and Stroll returns from 3-7 p.m. Saturday and will offer 20 tasting stops at 19 locations along Main Street and Applegate Street.
Chamber Executive Director Nikki Hasley said this year’s event features 20 tasting vendors, up a few from last year. The list includes 13 wineries, four breweries, two distillers and one cidery.
Hasley said she’s hoping to top last year’s attendance of 311, which was based on the number of wine glasses and tumblers distributed to paid participants.
“I’m hopeful to hit 400 to 450 tickets this year,” she said, adding that advance ticket sales are “right on track” compared to this point last year.
Tickets are $25 if purchased online in advance through Friday with buyers choosing between a wine glass or beer cup. Tickets will also be available for $35 on the day of the event. Check-in — where participants pick up their glass or cup, show ID to verify their age and can buy additional tasting tokens — will be available at both the Marys Peak True Value parking lot and at Compton Family Wines.
Every host business will offer a snack as part of the event’s permitting requirements, Hasley said.
“All 20 locations are providing different snacks, so come hungry,” she said. “Prepare to have a really great afternoon of sipping and nibbling and just enjoying taking the time to be leisurely.”
In addition, Fat Kitty Teriyaki will operate a food truck at Compton Family Wines and Dusty Aces Dirty Soda Co. will be on site as well.
Hasley said families are welcome to bring children along the route.
“We encourage families — they can go into the businesses with you and indulge in some of the nibbles and the food, and that was the reason we did bring in the dirty soda bar, too, to let the kids have something fun,” she said. “It’s not just about the parents or the patrons — we want to make sure everyone has fun.”
Hasley worked out an arrangement to bring back the Starker Forests tour bus as this year’s free shuttle service with stops at Compton Family Wines, Dirt Road Brewery and Marys Peak True Value.
Albany country radio station KRKT plans to broadcast live from the event and play music for two hours from a truck stationed downtown.
A free water station will be available at Slipstream Clay Studio and raffle baskets will be available at both ends of the route in the True Value lot and at Compton Family Wines. Proceeds benefit the chamber’s scholarship fund.
Also, the chamber is partnering with the city on four art stop locations along the route as part of the Philomath Public Art Committee’s unveiling of new public art pieces. From 4-5 p.m., artists and committee members will be stationed at each stop.
