BELLE FOURCHE—What could be better than a Friday evening spent shopping with friends and family while sipping wine and enjoying tasty nibbles? That is what the businesses on State Street offered the community on October 10.
The owners of several State Street businesses came together to explore ways to collaborate and create a unique experience for their customers—and from that shared vision, Wine Up on State Street was born.
Jenny Gaaskjolen, owner of Pearson Block Hous Vintage and Modern, shared the idea with others from a previous experience. “Where we used to live in North Dakota, we did this event, and it was just really beneficial for the downtown and the community and a really fun way to get out and get people into our downtown shops,” she said.
The business owners set a ticket sales goal they wanted to achieve. “We wanted to sell 100 tickets, and I think we did,” explained Michelle Evans, owner of Pasque Ladies Fashions. “Tickets went on sale about two and a half weeks ago and we sold like six right away and then just steadily they sold.”
When businesses not on State Street heard about the event, they wanted to get in on the fun! Many of the State Street businesses opened their doors to share space and allow any business that wanted to participate the opportunity to do so.
By the start of the Wine Up, a total of 24 businesses were participating in the event. Each had its own setup inside a State Street business, creating a collaborative atmosphere. Many of the businesses sharing spaces featured elegant table displays complete with signs proudly showcasing their names and offerings.
Guests could purchase presale tickets for just $25, with prices increasing to $30 on the day of the event. To start the wine tour, a wristband had to be picked up at one of the following locations: Hitching Post Tap House, Cowboys Too, Cowboy Back Bar, Circle Bar or Outlaw Bar.
After the wristband was secured, wandering from place to place could begin. A wine journal was created to guide attendees along their tasting journey and give them a way to keep track of the flavors they enjoyed.
As more people showed up and the event got underway, feedback was immediate. “Everybody loves the idea! Everybody loves that they can shop after hours and they love that the businesses on State Street are working together and creating an experience,” shared Evans. “And that’s the whole point—creating a fun experience inside our businesses while having a great night out!”
The businesses on State Street hope to offer this event again soon! “We want to do this twice a year, probably in the spring and the fall,” said Evans.
Beginning at 8 p.m. the Hitching Post Tap House invited all of the Wine Up on State Street participants to extend their evening by coming to their establishment and enjoying the live music of JJ Kent and Katie Sprague.
Businesses that participated in the Wine Up event were Belle Flowers and Co., Black Hills Title, First Interstate Bank, Black Hills Concrete Repair, The 605 Emporium, The Circle Lounge, Cowboy Back Bar, Black Hills Curio Coffee, Cowboys Too!, Deidre L, The Wurst, Dinosaurs of Hell Creek Museum, Gentle Touch Chiropractic, Hair Gallery, Love That Shoppe, Hitching Post Tap House, Outlaw Bar, Pasque Ladies Fashions, Pearson Block Candy Shop, Pearson Block Hous, Prairie Hills Pharmacy, Quality Quick Print and Simon.
Starting November 12, the State Street businesses will launch a Wine Series at the Hitching Post Tap House, rotating to a different State Street venue each month. The series promises a fun and educational experience featuring wine pairings and interactive activities designed for an engaging time.
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