During 2013, we honor renowned viticulturist Thomas V. (T.V.) Munson and the 125th anniversary of him receiving the French Legion of Honor Award in 1888 for saving the French wine industry. The T. V. Munson Cup will be awarded to the winner of the Texas Wine & Grape Growers Association’s sanctioned Texas Non-commercial Wine Competition. This awards ceremony will take place during the Hoedown at the DDI Corral (Heritage Park) sponsored by Downtown Denison Inc. on the evening of Saturday, April 27. Music starts at 5:30, chuck wagon opens at 6, and the awards will be announced at 7:30 p.m.
Munson’s invaluable contributions to the science of horticulture as well as the French wine industry have led to the noteworthy recognition of Cognac, France as Denison’s sister city. This historic “French Connection” embodies the importance and appreciation of the flourishing Texas wine industry and the variety of savory wines that still use Munson’s varieties of grape root stocks.
You can purchase your own grape vines from T.V.’s collection during the Denison Arts Council’s Art Walk & Heritage Celebration on Saturday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. The Art Walk will continue on Sunday afternoon from 1-5 p.m. in Downtown Denison. It will feature various artist demonstrations as well as remembrances of early-day Denison.
“Vinita” is the lovingly restored, classic, Italian Victorian home of T.V. Munson. It is located at 530 W. Hanna in Denison and will be open for free tours on Saturday from 10-2 p.m. The book “Grape Man of Texas: The Life of T.V. Munson” written by Sherrie S. McLeRoy and Dr. Roy Renfro, Jr. will be available at Vinita.
The festivities will kick off with an "An Educated Evening" held on Thursday, April 25 at the historic home of T.V. Munson. The Grayson College Culinary Arts program will provide a five course meal with commentary and wine parings presented by the Viticulture and Enology Department. The reception begins at 6 p.m. followed by the meal at 7 p.m. This is a ticketed event with limited availability. Tickets are $85 and must be purchased by April 18. Reserved tables of 8 are available for $750, and proceeds go to scholarships for Grayson’s Culinary Arts students and Viticulture students.
On Friday, a Wine Trail bus tour will be available until all seats are sold. Tickets are only $35 and include transportation, a meal, and wine tastings at three wineries. A local vineyard and the home of T.V. Munson will also be on the tour led by Dr. Justin Scheiner, Professor of Enology and Viticulture at Grayson. It is expected to last from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Friday evening’s ARTini will feature wine-based martinis mixed at 10 stops throughout Downtown Denison. Wristbands, which allow for visiting all 10 locations, are only $20. They can be purchased in advance or at any of the martini stops that will be clearly marked along Main Street. Other downtown businesses will have even more to offer with special activities and sales planned from 5-8 p.m. Those not wishing to share in the martinis can still enjoy the event as it is open to the public. Espresso stops and sober stations will be available along with abundant shopping.
This is a perfect time to check out the best that the Denison Arts and Culture District has to offer. The galleries, boutiques, shops and restaurants make for an enjoyable & memorable evening that includes some new businesses. From 8-10 p.m., everyone is encouraged to attend the Gateway Opera House production free of charge at the Peanut Gallery at 114 W. Houston. Singing vignettes and comedians will entertain the crowd. No chairs or concessions are available, so attendees are welcome to bring their own snacks and seats.
This year's art exhibits will be featured in various galleries throughout the entire weekend. It promises to be a diversity of artworks from artists across the greater Texoma area. Student, amateur, and professional artists alike will be represented and styles ranging from traditional to contemporary will be on display. No matter what your preference, there will be something for everyone with mediums including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, mixed-media, and more. Artworks in the exhibit will be for sale.
Denison’s Heritage will be another highlight as demonstrations, characters, music, and historic photographs will be on display in businesses and along the sidewalks. You never know who you might meet from Denison’s first 30 years. Those coming out on Saturday and Sunday will be able to enjoy artisans showcasing their talents at Denison Arts Council’s Spring Art Walk.
The main event is Saturday, April 27th at Heritage Park—Hoedown at the DDI Corral “Kick Up Your Heels & Say Cheers” will feature the band Little Big Iron beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are only $15 and include a meal beginning at 6 p.m. catered by Hickory House Barbecue and Paper Plate Catering. The wine competition awards will be given at 7:30 p.m., and the band will play until 10 p.m. Put on your boots, grab your cowboy hat, and join the excitement. Dancing under the stars will be allowed at this fun-filled evening. The popular Sister Cities’ Cognac tasting booth is sure to be a hit. Proceeds from the ticketed event benefit Downtown Denison Inc.
Tickets for all events are available at The Denison Area Chamber of Commerce (313 W. Woodard) and Main Street Mall (500 W. Main). Call (903) 465-1551 for more details or e-mail ddow@cityofdenison.com. Visit www.downtowndenison .com or Denison Main Street’s facebook page for the latest updates.
Find more fun events in the Lake Texoma area on www.texomaconnect.com. As the premier travel guide to the greater Texoma area, you will find a broad listing of historical sites, museums, art galleries and things to do in the north Texas and southern Oklahoma communities that surround Lake Texoma. Come see us soon!
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