After having to cancel last year due to Covid, the Stanly County Winter Wine Festival, one of the largest gatherings in downtown Albemarle, is set to return next weekend.

The festival, organized by the Albemarle Downtown Development Corporation, will be from 12-5 p.m. Feb. 26 at Market Station.

“We’re excited to be able to come back this year and I think if the social media buzz is any indication, a lot of people are also excited to have an event that they can go and get together and have a good time,” said ADDC director Joy Almond.

Tickets are on sale for $25 and can be purchased online or at Glory Beans Coffee House, Livi Bug’s Boutique, Local Boujee, Starnes Jewelers and McRae Jewelers in Norwood. The event is open to the public, though people must be 21 or older to enter. Day-of admission is available at the door for $30.

As COVID infections continue to fall across the state after the surge in omicron cases last month, Almond is optimistic “that we’ll have a good turnout.”

There will be several precautions in place to make sure people are as comfortable as possible including hand sanitizer stations and increased ventilation within the tent, though masks will not be required.

At least 12 vineyards from across Stanly and neighboring counties, including Dennis Vineyards, Stony Mountain Vineyards and Cabo Winery in Concord, will be on hand to showcase their selections to eager patrons along with several food trucks.

“I love that our event showcases such an integral part of our state’s economy,” Almond said.

The last time the festival was held, in late February 2020, close to 1,200 people showed up, Almond said.

For more information about specific vendors or to purchase tickets, people can go to stanlycountywinterwinefest.com.