Wine and Jazz Festival a Success
WHEELING-Cooler temperatures and the threat of rain didn't keep jazz lovers and wine aficionados from Wheeling's Heritage Port on Saturday.
Despite the gray clouds looming above, the atmosphere at the first Wheeling Wine and Jazz Festival was bright and sunny, as hundreds of smiling wine tasters ventured from one tasting station to another while jazz music carried on the slight breeze.
“This is very, very successful," said Joelle Ennis, city of Wheeling marketing director and Wine and Jazz event staff member. “Not only in the amount of people, but in the energy of the people that are here."
Ennis said the purpose of the event, like many others in the city, is to showcase what the city has to offer.
“A lot of people say we don't have anything going on here," Ennis said. “But we do. We do have a cultural center here. Between the wine, the jazz and the culture, how could you not want to come here."
Donald Vanderholf of Akron was one who did travel to the area for the event.
“It's very nice," Vanderholf said. “It's been eight years since I have been (to Wheeling)."
Bringing people back to the Ohio Valley is what events like this are all about, Ennis said. She added the city is encouraging younger people not only to come back and visit through various festivals and events, but also to stay and work in the area. She said one way this is being accomplished is by adding cultural events, where musicians of all genres and small business owners can put their abilities and talents to work.
“The idea is to market the city of Wheeling," Ennis said.
Despite the gray clouds looming above, the atmosphere at the first Wheeling Wine and Jazz Festival was bright and sunny, as hundreds of smiling wine tasters ventured from one tasting station to another while jazz music carried on the slight breeze.
“This is very, very successful," said Joelle Ennis, city of Wheeling marketing director and Wine and Jazz event staff member. “Not only in the amount of people, but in the energy of the people that are here."
Ennis said the purpose of the event, like many others in the city, is to showcase what the city has to offer.
“A lot of people say we don't have anything going on here," Ennis said. “But we do. We do have a cultural center here. Between the wine, the jazz and the culture, how could you not want to come here."
Donald Vanderholf of Akron was one who did travel to the area for the event.
“It's very nice," Vanderholf said. “It's been eight years since I have been (to Wheeling)."
Bringing people back to the Ohio Valley is what events like this are all about, Ennis said. She added the city is encouraging younger people not only to come back and visit through various festivals and events, but also to stay and work in the area. She said one way this is being accomplished is by adding cultural events, where musicians of all genres and small business owners can put their abilities and talents to work.
“The idea is to market the city of Wheeling," Ennis said.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
