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Washington Evening Journal
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Washington, IA 52353
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Wine Walk in the Woods offered fun for the whole family
With many additional vendors this year, there was a little something for everyone at the event
MT. PLEASANT — Tuesday evening Henry County Conservation Department hosted an exceptionally successful Wine Walk in the Woods complete with shopping opportunities from local businesses and fun interactions for the whole family.
Despite a brief drizzle of rain mixed with the sunshine, Assistant Naturalist Shania Hansen said they saw a good number of people arriving to the event early in the evening.
Only 30 minutes into the event Hansen said nearly half of the 50 preregistered attendees had already checked in along with 24 additional individuals.
“When the rain started coming down, we were a little bit concerned, but it turned out really well,” Head Naturalist Kendall Prehn commented.
With nearly triple the number of vendors than last year’s event, this year’s Wine Walk in the Woods offered more shopping options, more wine, and more fun for those walking the trail near the Oakland Mills Nature Center.
The laughter from walkers stopping in to check out open cabins along the path floated outside and accompanied the sounds of chatter and nature.
Near the end of the walk Sac & Fox Lapidary Club set up a table with a variety of wine options accompanied by rocks.
According to the lapidary club president Mike Messer, Sac & Fox do lapidary work creating jewelry, coordinate field trips, and provide educational opportunities.
As 5-year-old Alexis Polson approached the table Messer excitedly offered to crack a geode for her.
He encouraged her to make her pick from a box of geodes at their table and then situated the rock in a clap began to apply pressure.
“Listen for the pop,” he encouraged as he covered it with his hand to contain potential fly away pieces.
“I hear it!” Polson exclaimed as she peered through Messer’s arms to get a peek at her treasure.
Walking away with a smile, Polson was not the only attendee at the Wine Walk in the Woods to express her approval of a vendor table.
“Oh, I really like that,” Heather Rich from New London stated as she tried a wine from Airport Road Vineyard & Winery. “I like that better than the other rosé!”
Those that enjoy wine, but not the alcohol could even find a beverage at the event as T & M Woodworking offered a non-alcoholic option along with a variety of woodwork items for sale at their table partway along the path.
While the event started with a drizzle of rain, the path quickly filled with many perusing the tables, sampling wine, tasting snacks, and enjoying a moment in nature.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com
