Callaway County residents can raise a glass to the county's 200th birthday Saturday during Bicentennial Day at Serenity Valley Winery.
A joint effort between the winery and the Callaway 200 committee, the day will feature Callaway County-themed wine, Callaway 200 merchandise, delicious food, and classic rock and roll. Attendance is free.
Serenity Valley is located at 1888 County Road 342 near Millersburg.
The pandemic forced a pause on the planned Callaway 200 Bicentennial Bash, which was first rescheduled from May to August then delayed until August 2021.
"It is 2020, and to let the year go by without some kind of an event, that's a hard decision to make," Callaway 200 committee member Renee Graham said. "It is our 200th, and finding a way to do a mini-event we just felt, moving toward the end of the year, we just didn't want to year go by without something."
Festivities will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday.
For the first hour, attendees can purchase Callaway 200 merchandise at a discount; those who purchase a tumbler may fill it with free hot cider (spiked for those older than 21), courtesy of the Playhouse Café. Refills will be available while supplies last, if attendees make a donation to the Kingdom of Callaway Historical Society.
"We felt this was good time to sell merch as we move into holidays; with 2020 coming to an end, we want people to have an opportunity to celebrate (the county)," Graham said.
At 3 p.m., The Big Cheeze food truck will arrive to offer unusual and gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. Graham mentioned the "Pig Mac," featuring pepper jack, Swiss, mac 'n' cheese, pulled pork and caramelized onions on grilled sourdough.
The Open Road, a Mid-Missouri-based rock band, will provide live music from 4 p.m. to the event's conclusion at 6 p.m.
Also available to enjoy are Serenity Valley's two limited edition Bicentennial Collection wines: Callawegian Red and Callaway Serenade.
Attendees can also learn about the committee's upcoming events and Callaway County history.
Throughout the evening, Callaway 200 board members will sell raffle tickets to win a Callaway County-themed customized .30-30 Henry Rifle. Tickets cost $10 each or three for $25, and only 600 will be sold. The winner will be selected Nov. 25 during the bicentennial monument unveiling at the Callaway County Courthouse (ticket-holders need not be present to win).
Merchandise and raffle ticket proceeds will go toward bicentennial events planned for 2021.
If weather allows, the event will be largely outdoors, with the sides of Serenity Valley's large permanent tent left open for air circulation. Callaway 200 volunteers will wear masks, Graham said; attendees are welcome to do so as well.
"We're hoping to keep it as limited-contact as possible," Graham added.