Good times expected at Sunman Wine Fest

-- — Sunman Area Chamber of Commerce members are gearing up for the 10th annual Sunman Wine and Fireworks Festival.

This year, some additions and changes are coming to the family-friendly fest, reports SACC President Carla Hacker.

“We’ve eliminated Sunman Idol because everybody’s doing that.” However, an Idol Reunion Concert will be held in its place (please see box).

According to coordinator Anna Ibold, “We invited our previous top finishers and fan favorites to return,” and are expecting about eight to 10 performers to showcase their talents, including 2009 winner Kendall Phillips,” who has made quite a name for herself.” According to her Web site, she was a Colegate Country Showdown national finalist in 2010 and 2011.

The Sunman Idol Junior (ages 11-15) and Little Sunman Idol (ages 6-10) talent competitions will also be held that afternoon. Only 10 contestants in each age group will be performing, and there is a $5 entry fee.

After the shows, cash prizes will be awarded in each age group: first place, $75; second place, $50; and third place, $25.

Forms are available at www.sunmancham ber.org. For more information, persons can contact Anita Fledderman at 812-623-0218.

Another new attraction is the Everything Tastes Better with Wine Cooking Challenge. Cooks will be preparing appetizers, main dishes and desserts that must be homecooked and have wine as one of the ingredients, Hacker notes.

Ibold is excited to announce two local bands, 650 North and Ridge Runner, will take the stage. “They both have great followings.”

Other highlights include a midmorning parade, with lineup at McPhersons at 9 a.m. At 10 a.m., it will proceed south on State Road 101, turn east on Eastern Avenue and end at the American Legion hall. Judges’ choice prizes of $100, $50 and $25 will be awarded.

Participants are asked to think about the themes wine, grapes and fireworks when preparing their entries.

Winemakers can enter their homemade creations for $3 a bottle, announces organizer Stephanie Hartman. Those who cannot make it to the registration that day can call Hartman at 513-479-0706 in advance to turn in their wine.

Categories include best grape, fruit, sweet, semisweet and dry. In addition, fest-goers can taste these wines for free and cast votes for their favorites for $5. The winner will be named the Crowd Favorite.

Fried chicken will once again be on the menu, but there will not be a sit-down meal as in the past, Hacker reports. Vendors will be offering a variety of items, including corn on the cob, pork tenderloin, hamburgers and french fries.

Ertel Cellars Winery, Batesville; Buck Creek Winery, Indianapolis; and Chateau Pomije Winery, New Alsace; will be on hand offering some of their popular wines.

She adds, “We’ve got so many booths this year, more than ever before, with things to eat and do.”

Raffle tickets are available for $2 or three for $5, with a chance to win items such as a TV, gift certificates and cash prizes.

Youngsters will enjoy bouncing in the inflatables and playing games.

After dark, Deno Koumoutsos and his crew will light up the sky with fireworks.

Hacker says the fest is a “great day of fun, food and fellowship .... a community event to bring the community together. Bring your neighbors and friends. It’s a great opportunity to come to Sunman and see what the town has to offer.”

Diane Raver can be contacted at 812-934-4343, Ext. 114; or diane.raver@ batesvilleheraldtribune.com.

Sunman Wine and Fireworks Festival

Saturday, Sept. 1 –– Sunman Community Park

10 a.m. Parade

10 a.m.-2 p.m. Homemade wine registration

11 a.m. Cheerleading competition

1 p.m. Sunman Idol Junior (ages 11-15) and Little Sunman Idol (ages 6-10)

2:30 p.m. Idol Reunion Concert; Food Cooking Challenge (Campbell Building)

3:30 p.m. 650 North performs

7:30 p.m. Hoosier Hoedowners

8 p.m. Ridge Runner performs

10 p.m. Fireworks