Ashland is a quiet community of roughly 2,500 residents that is ideal for a low-key Nebraska getaway. It’s located about 22 miles southwest of Omaha, offering visitors access to all the area’s great attractions like Strategic Air and Space Museum and Mahoney State Park. Whether you're shopping at unique shops in the downtown area or taking pictures of wildlife at Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park, Ashland is a great spot to plan your next vacation.
SIP Nebraska is the ultimate celebration of the Nebraska wine scene, and the fourth annual event will take place May 5-6, at Mahoney State Park (3 miles southeast of Downtown Ashland). The event features a collection of Nebraska's top wine, cider, and craft beer producers serving up samples of their tasty creations for patrons. Attendees will also encounter a vendor market place filled with everything from chocolate to one-of-kind art pieces. A great collection of music acts from around the state will perform throughout the event, and a variety of yard games like bag toss and washers will be available for patrons to play. The event is truly one of a kind. Where else can you take a yoga class, sample top tier wines, and take a trolley tour? We got the chance to interview Stacy Leners, a representative of the event, to talk about this celebration of wine, music, and community.
RAL: How long has the event been running?
SL: Four years. It was formerly known as Toast Nebraska, but we rebranded and went from only Nebraska wines to offering Nebraska wines and craft beers.
RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?
SL: The event grows each year. There were around 3,000 attendees last year, and we anticipate more people this year.
RAL: What demographic does your event attract? Children? Families? Couples?
SL: We see everyone including adults, couples, Girl’s Day Out groups, bachelorette parties, anniversaries, and bridal showers.
RAL: What makes this event unique?
SL: We feature only beverages from Nebraska. The event was created as a weekend destination in a state park where we sell out 80% of the lodge rooms, cabins, and campsites to our festival guests.
RAL: Take me through the activities of a day at the event.
SL: Guests can enjoy unlimited wine, hard cider and beer tastings, live music/bands, artisan and food vendors, educational sessions, yard games, fire pits, yoga, dance lessons and trolley tours through the park.
RAL: Will there be any guest appearances?
SL: Yes, some great local bands will be performing.
RAL: What is the overall environment like?
SL: The park is one of Nebraska's largest state parks, and it offers a picturesque outdoor setting that resembles a vineyard.
RAL: Are there any lodging specials that are set up specifically for the event?
SL: We reserve 80% of the park for our festival guests. Prices are set by the state and do not fluctuate for this event. Lodging includes campsites, cabins from two to six bedrooms and lodge rooms (similar to hotel rooms). We also block out lodging at a local Holiday Inn in Gretna and a New Victorian Inn and Suites Omaha. Both the hotel blocks have special rates, and New Victorian Inn provides a free shuttle to and from the event.
RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?
SL: Yes, we’ve sold tickets in nine states. The event is Nebraska focused with all Nebraska-based vendors to sample and purchase products. The Nebraska Game and Park system also markets the event.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
SL: Individuals have used this event for memorable events due to all the activities throughout the two-day event. The outdoor setting is comparable to a vineyard and is beautiful. The park also offers a lot of other activities outside the event, all within walking distance or a short drive, including mini golf, disc golf, horseback riding, a butterfly pavilion, walking paths, a marina with paddle boating, swimming pool, and tennis courts.
For more information about SIP Nebraska, please visit the event website.