Committee Hopes 2018 Swiss Wine Festival Lives Up To Late Kirk Works' Standards

This will be the first Swiss Wine Festival since Kirk Works became its president in 1994.

Kirk Works, longtime president of the Swiss Wine Festival, died in March. Photo by Kendal Miller.

(Vevay, Ind.) - The 47th Swiss Wine Festival begins its four-day run Thursday, but it will be without the man who helped elevate the event.

Kirk Works was the president of the Swiss Wine Festival from 1994 up until his death in March. He battled against cancer.  

In his time as its leader, Kirk moved the festival to Paul Ogle Riverfront Park in 1997. He was known for traveling to other festivals around the state to scope out entertainment and vendors to be invited to the Swiss Wine Festival. All his work paid off, as the festival eclipsed 25,000 attendees last year.

For his efforts, Works was bestowed The Sagamore of the Wabash by Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb prior to his passing. In February, the road through the fairgrounds was renamed Kirk Works Way by the town.

“Thank you, Kirk, for your vision, for showing us what people can do when they work together, and for challenging us to live up to this legacy you have built for our community. Just know, Kirk, you will always be in our thoughts, especially each year as the last weekend in August approaches and we wonder if the festival will live up to your standards,” the festival committee said in a message posted on the festival’s website.

A group of other dedicated volunteers are continuing Works’ legacy by putting on another festival jam-packed with rides, games, music, entertainment, and wine.

Live entertainment for opening night Thursday, August 23 includes country and classic rock group Bogus Hollow. Country star Travis Tritt will light up the stage on Friday, August 24. AC/DC tribute band Thunderstruck will rock on Saturday night, August 25.

This year’s Swiss Wine Festival will roar. The Nerger Tiger Show, with live tigers performing tricks, will have multiple shows throughout the festival’s four days. If you can’t stick around for a show, you can still view the tigers on display.

All entertainment is free with festival admission.

Of course, there is the wine pavilion. Festival guests 21 and older can enter and sample wines from 12 wineries from the region. Cost is $20 per person, which includes cheese samples and a souvenir wine glass.

The Midwest Championship Grape Stomp is a favorite among attendees.

Craft beers will be poured on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in the beer garden. A $5 per person cost includes two tastes and a souvenir tasting glass.

Find a full list of festival events, parking information, and prices and promotions at www.swisswinefestival.org.