GRAFTON — It was eat, drink and beware of the raindrops in Grafton on Saturday as visitors packed the Mississippi River community to partake in the delicacies on offer at this year’s Sip, Sample and Stroll event.
Eight local watering holes served culinary concoctions and themed cocktails to event ticket holders who enthusiastically sniffed and knocked down each offering. Attendees experienced a lot of what Grafton has to offer despite the rain and had a blast at the same time.
Sheila Gross was part of a group from Jerseyville, Edwardsville and Chesterfield, Missouri who were partaking in margaritas and tacos at the Grafton Pub.
“It’s a classic combination. I love Mexican food and I love margaritas,” Gross said. “It looked fun and I love Grafton with its atmosphere and beautiful view of the river.”
Jerseyville resident Jim Meszaros was enjoying pork buns and apple pie shots with a table full of friends at Third Chute Bar and Grill.
“The food and drink are absolutely fantastic; it’s a good combination,” said Meszaros. “We heard about the event and I said to them, ‘Hey, let’s make it a day, come and have fun.’
“It’s the vibe, people,” he said. “It’s just a good time to relax.”
Amy Benton of Jerseyville is a member of the Jersey County Business Association, one of the groups that organized Saturday’s event, and brought friends from Jerseyville, Granite City and Collinsville. All were sampling jambalaya and hurricanes at the Grafton Oyster Bar.
“It’s a New Orleans vibe and it went well; it was delicious,” Benton said. “I love Grafton; it’s here. It’s the river, the vibe and all the bars and restaurants. We’re here to have fun. »
The Bloody Bucket served, appropriately, Bloody Marys and another red-colored treat, Loading Dock Salsa.
“They go together obviously because of the tomatoes and it’s just a great combination,” employee Cheryl Thompson said. “You have olives in both. It’s a great way to start your morning.
“This community is always innovative; it’s fantastic,” Thompson said. “We always have great things to do for people inside and outside the community, and it’s very profitable for anyone who wants to come.”
Other Sip, Sample and Stroll locations included Aeries Resort, serving an antipasto skewer and a Riesling or Cabernet; Grafton Harbor Arrr Bar with Raspberry Jalapeño Dip and Wine Tasting Flight; Grafton Winery with a charcuterie skewer and raspberry sparkling wine; and the Hawg Pit which offers pulled chicken sandwiches and Hippy Juice.
The event was sponsored by the Grafton Chamber of Commerce and the Jersey County Business Association.
