Main Street Wooster fundraiser set for Sept. 17 to support free community events

Main Street Wooster will host its annual Wine, Beer & More fundraiser on Wednesday, Sept. 17 from 6-9 p.m. The 100 Block of South Market Street will transform into a progressive tasting tour with dozens of curated wines, craft beers and spirits, plus hors d’oeuvres from local eateries, live music and a silent auction of Wooster-centric experiences.

Proceeds will support the nonprofit’s mission to keep downtown Wooster vibrant through events, beautification and business programs.

“Wine, Beer & More is the one night when the community’s good time becomes next year’s good works,” Executive Director Shannon Waller said. “Ticket sales help us present more than 80 free events and attractions — concerts, the farmers market, Kids Day, Ladies’ Night Out, Window Wonderland and more — and help keep downtown welcoming for residents, businesses and visitors. Thanks to Bogner Construction Company and our Gold and Silver sponsors, tickets offer outstanding value.”

Main Street Wooster, a 501(c)(3), works year round to strengthen downtown as a place to live, work and visit. In addition to the free events, efforts include destination marketing, façade grants, the veteran banner program, and restaurant and retail incentives. Funds from Wine, Beer & More sustain these programs.

Proceeds also support permanent attractions such as Butterfly Alley, decorative utility box wraps and self-guided walking tours — features that boost foot traffic, aid small businesses and enhance the visitor experience.

The evening will offer a block party with business or executive casual attire. Check-in will be on the 100 Block of South Market Street, which will be closed to traffic and set with tents, high tops and heaters. Food and drink stations will be located at City Square Steakhouse, Artfind Tile and the Lyric Theater.

Guests also will be able to hear steel drum music, and VIP tastings will have elevated pours. Attendees also will be provided with keepsake glasses and premium souvenir bottle openers.

“We’re really excited about the silent auction of experiences,” Waller said. “We’ve had creative and unique donations including a guided tour of the courthouse clock tower and VIP tickets to a Barrett-Jackson Collector Car auction. People who can’t be in town for the event will have the opportunity to bid online.”

Downtowns drive local economies by gathering people, supporting small businesses and anchoring the quality of life. Wooster’s downtown has been strengthened through decades of community-led revitalization, strategic planning and sustained programming. Supporting Wine, Beer & More invests directly in this shared prosperity.