Three secret judges will select the winners at the Saturday, Sept. 21, Hennessey Wine & Chocolate Festival.

That’s what the Hennessey United Association board decided at its June 27 meeting. In the past, festival-goers were given corks to vote on “People’s Choice” winners, but this year only judges will decide on “Best of the Festival” in red and white wines.

A new award this year will be given for the best chocolate and will also be decided by judges.

Wes Hardin, the festival chairman for the ninth year, confirmed hours for the Memorial Park festival are from 1-6 p.m. and advance tickets may be purchased online again this year. Cost is $15 in advance and $20 at the gate for wine and chocolate, and $5 for chocolate only.

The Oklahoma Grape Industry Council will again take part in the festival with its members having booths along with any other wineries or winemakers. More than 25 wine booths are expected again this year at the official state Wine Festival, Hardin said.

Teresa Oliver, chocolate chairman, told the group she hopes to have lots of chocolate booths this year.

There is no fee for booths. Contacts are Hardin (Wine: 405-853-0115) and Oliver (Chocolate: 405-368-7841).

In addition to Hardin and Oliver, other United members at the meeting were President Dagan Hardin, Vice President Barb Walter, Secretary Cathy Howard, Treasurer Tammy Henderson, Scotty Hajek and Kaden Mitchell. Also present was Richard Simunek, town board member and local preservationist. Absent were Stacy Cline and Jack Quirk.

OKC Thunder Park Grant

Henderson said she took photos and sent a letter to the Oklahoma City Thunder about the town and United’s application for a park grant under the group’s Thunder Cares program.

She had not heard back from the Thunder about the request to revitalize the Boy Scout Cabin Park, she told the board.

Henderson said she had put chains on the goals a few years ago, but backboards need to be replaced, as well as the concrete there, along with playground equipment for youngsters.

Main Street Flowers/Flags

Mitchell said he has containers for plants and has still been unable to get information from the town about the size of the holders on the street lights.

He was also told that he could not measure the holders himself. Wes Hardin, who is also a town board member, said he would check on it.

Leadership Class 2019

Walter said she is working to set up trips for the HHS Senior Leadership Class this fall, but has hit a snag on the state capitol visit.

She said renovation will still be going on when the students will visit Wednesday, Nov. 6. They will be able to go into both chambers with Rep. Mike Sanders and Sen. Chuck Hall, but the capitol building will be so torn up that the trip there will be minimal.

She said they also will not be able to have lunch there and suggested they might also be able to tour and have lunch at other sites. She suggested the History Center, National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum or the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum.

Members overwhelmingly chose the National Memorial.

Other Business

Both the United and Wine & Chocolate Festivals are up and running, the board was told. Howard said reservations for the Tues., Aug. 20 Red Carpet Country Tourism Conference at Stride Center in Enid are due in early August. Several members said they were interested in attending. Howard said they could let her know next month.

It was reported that the Lions Club will sponsor events July 4 and will also have Food Truck Night at the Park Sat., July 20. Dagan and Wes Hardin and Hajek are all members of the Lions. Oliver suggested other United members join the Lions and help with the July 4 events.

The next United meeting is at 6:30 p.m. July 18 at the home of Dagan Hardin. He will provide the meal and members may bring desserts, he said.