Barksdale Cancer Foundation Wine Festival Set for September 23 in Keysville

KEYSVILLE – The month of September traditionally heralds the slowly declining temperatures of summer, and with that the beginning of the wine festival circuit in Virginia. Charlotte County will do its part in that endeavor when Barksdale Cancer Foundation hosts its fifth annual Miss Janie’s Sit ‘N’ Sip wine festival on September 23. The event will take place from noon until 6 p.m. at the Osborne Street Park, located at 456 Osborne Street, adjacent to the Keysville Fire House. 

“We have been fielding a lot of calls and texts about the event this year,” says events coordinator Wendy Lankford. “We have had about 20 vendors express interest in selling their wares.” She points out that vendors may apply for booth space for the event by September 9 by calling 434-470-1538, or they may apply online. 

“There will truly be something for everyone this year,” says Lankford. “So far we have applications for vendors selling everything from candles to wood products to handmade and vintage crafts, along with wine-themed items, all types of jewelry, treats for those with a sweet tooth, and even representatives from several cosmetic companies.” 

Three very popular wineries will be providing tastings and purchase by the glass or by the bottle at the event. Those wineries are American Way of Chase City, Bright Meadows of Nathalie, and Woodbine of Buffalo Junction. Each brings its own unique features, but the most requested, according to Lankford, are 

“American Way’s chocolate raspberry wine, Bright Meadows’ Sangria, and the very popular slushy machine, provided by Woodbine.” 

“Unfortunately, a fourth winery which was scheduled to be at the festival has, sadly, had to close,” added Lankford.

In addition, there will be a variety of favorite beers available for purchase.

A new feature at this year’s festival will be a car and bike show, to be held in conjunction with the wine event. The only fee required to participate in the show is the cost of admission to the festival. 

“We figure the guys need something to do while their significant others are enjoying the wine tasting and shopping,” laughs Larry Shook, president of the foundation. “What more can we offer than their favorite beverage and some beautiful machines to look at and socialize over?” 

A beautiful handcrafted wine rack, made and donated by local artisan Darrell King of King Renovations in Victoria, will be raffled during the day of the event.

“This is a truly unique and striking piece of furniture,” says Shook. “This is the second handcrafted item donated to the wine festival by Mr. King. We are so grateful for the support given by him for our patients, and we hope that he will once again this year make an appearance at the event.” 

The Tobacco Road Band, back by popular demand, will be providing music for the day, offering music that “blends old soul and blues, country, and some good old southern rock ‘n’ roll…and maybe a little beach music thrown in for good measure,” according to Ronnie Newcomb, vocalist and guitarist for the band. 

Rounding out the band are four other Southside musicians. Newcomb, Bill Baker, guitarist, and Barry Hughes, drummer, are from neighboring Mecklenburg County. Lead guitar is played by Ronnie Jordan of Brookneal, and on the piano is Sharon Hall of Drakes Branch. 

The band prides itself on its wide variety of music genres and invites festival participants to request their favorite song during the day. 

Food will be available for purchase from local favorite Roundman’s Barbeque from Drakes Branch. 

Tasting and non-tasting tickets for the event may be purchased online through PayPal or by credit card by visiting the website, 

www.barksdalecancerfou.wixsite.com/mysite and clicking on the upcoming events tab. Advance tickets are $20 for tasting and $15 for non-tasting, while tasting will be $25 at the gate and same price for non-tasting. Price of a ticket covers entry and participation in the car show, and there is no registration for the show. 

Barksdale is a grassroots organization founded in 1999. Its sole purpose is to give monetary support to Charlotte County cancer patients. The foundation is a 50l(c)3 non-profit manned by volunteers, with no ties to any other cancer entity. 

If you know of a county cancer patient in need, please call Lankford at 434-470-1538. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to the event, it may be mailed to Barksdale Cancer Foundation, P. 0. Box 225, Charlotte Court House, VA 23923.