It’s a greenlight for the return of Sip & Saveur: Tasting and Art Showcase in 2021. The popular event is slated for Sept. 25 from 6 to 9 p.m. in downtown McMinnville.

“This event is our primary fundraiser that funds what we do throughout the year for the community,” said Hannah Johnson, Junior Auxiliary of McMinnville member, in making the request before the Board of Mayor and Aldermen on Tuesday.

During the adults-only event, visitors are given the chance to sample wine and hors d’euvres while admiring the work of some of the area’s finest artists while visiting participating businesses.

Tickets are scheduled to go on sale in August. Cost of tickets are $35 in advance and $40 the night of.

“This is an excellent event that draws a lot of people downtown,” said Mayor Ryle Chastain. “It’s one of the only times of the year that, pretty much, every business downtown is open. There are visitors in and out. There’s food. There’s drink. There’s artists being showcased. This is a good, well-received event that has had a lot of success in the last few years.”

Closed will be West Court Square, Depot Street, North Spring Street, and East Main Street beginning at the intersection of Main Street and North Chancery beside Magness Library and ending where Main Street connects to Sparta Street, from 5:15 to 10 p.m.

Alderman Rachel Kirby agreed with Chastain’s assessment, but added concerns expressed by Main Street restaurant owners that they lose money when the street is closed to traffic.

“There is some problem with restaurants downtown and them losing business,” she said. “When I talk to them, they just want signage that they are open. Even on the marquee, if it could say, ‘parking in the back’ and ‘restaurants are open’ or some type of advertisement that restaurants are still open to the public.”

Additional signage will be added, including Park Theater’s marquee.

Johnson said, among the changes to this year’s event, is pushing it from April to September to allow more time for COVID vaccines and encouraging businesses to utilize sidewalks.

“In light of a post-COVID world, we have encouraged businesses to have their showcasing artist on the sidewalk in front of their businesses as opposed to the inside to prevent crowding,” said Johnson. “Of course, there will be some businesses that want them inside and that’s fine. For the most part, I think a lot of businesses will have them outside.”

Funds generated during the event are used by Junior Auxiliary of McMinnville to offer various community activities throughout the year, such as Coats for the Community, Christmas in the Park, Hopping into Health, Community Chest, a scholarship for a graduating Warren County High School senior, and the Fourth of July Yankee Doodle Parade, just to name a few.

“Without this fundraiser, a lot of that would not be possible,” said Johnson.

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen unanimously approved the request.