13th Annual Athens Theatre Wine Festival and Auction

The historic Athens Theatre will welcome the fall season on Saturday, Sept. 6, with the 13th Annual Athens Theatre Wine Festival and Auction.

The festival will be — not at the theater — but at Sands Theater Center, 600 N. Woodland Blvd.

However, guests interested in touring the Athens, which is in the final stages of restoration, are invited to meet in front of the theater on Florida Avenue from 4 to 5 p.m. The festival will begin at 5 p.m. and run until 9 o'clock.

"This year's Wine Festival is exciting because the opening of the Athens is so close and the inside is looking beautiful," auction Chairwoman Debi McNabb said.

Radio personalities Bob Sullivan and Leslie Gail from MAGIC 107.7 FM will host the event, which also features live jazz performed by Louisiana Steve.

Encore catering has planned a menu of London broil, honey-baked ham, seasonal fruits, imported cheeses, crab fondue, gourmet pasta salad and a variety of specialty desserts.

Elusive Grape is providing a wide selection of top wines from around the world. Owner Bill Budzinski has been supporting the Athens fundraiser for five years.

"It is always a fun event, and it's great for the town," Budzinski said.

"It is a fun evening and a great fundraiser," Sands Theater Center Executive Director Jeffery Ault said.

The event has raised more than $250,000 through the years, all of it going toward restoring the historic theater, which has been a fixture in Downtown DeLand since 1922.

Wine-tasting tickets cost $45 per person or $80 per couple if purchased in advance, or $50 per person and $90 per couple if purchased on the day of the event.