Under the current climate surrounding COVID-19, it should come as little surprise that two of Sedona’s largest and most popular fall events will not take place this year.
Sedona Winefest and Red Rocks Oktoberfest have both been postponed, with organizers of both already planning for next year.
“The club felt forced into this by the COVID and we’re hoping that we can come back with an even better event in 2021,” said Rick Wesselhoff, a member of the Rotary Club of the Red Rocks, which sponsors the event.
Oktoberfest normally draws thousands of guests and features breweries from around the state while offering food trucks, live music and games.
“Aside from missing a great annual event, our club counts on the income from our fundraising efforts to be given back to the community,” Wesselhoff said. “Our recent budget shows that we give about $40,000 per year back into our community, and this will affect charitable giving.”
“I don’t think that groups of 50 or more are acceptable right now, and our attendance records show that we’d be breaking that rule 20 times over.”
The Rotary Club funds a variety of youth-oriented needs. This includes scholarships for graduating Sedona Red Rock High School seniors as well as the Teacher of the Year program, Rotary Youth Leadership Academy, Sedona Community Food Bank, Christmas giving program and others.
“Last year’s fundraising efforts cover this year’s giving, so we’re counting on this year’s income for next year,” he said. “Without our income-producing events, we’ll rely on our members to provide funds and a soon-to-be released DIY Fundraiser.”
The 2020 Sedona Winefest would have been its 11th annual event. Like Oktoberfest, it has become a must-do for many in the area.
“The event brings together thousands from the state and around the country to enjoy wines made in Arizona, especially the Verde Valley, and such crowds are being avoided while we are waiting for the pandemic to pass,” board member Al Comello said.
They have already set aside Sept. 25 and 26, 2021 for the next Sedona Winefest, which will again be held at the Posse Grounds Park.
“The event will once again be in a circus-sized tent and feature at least 25 wineries, dozens of vendors, a variety of food trucks and a stage setup for toe-tapping music,” Comello said. “The committee who produces the event is really looking forward to the 2021 Winefest, which has become the largest wine festival in Northern Arizona”
