Annual tasting going forward

HENDERSON — The absence of the Mark Hopkins building is not stopping the Henderson Harbor Performing Arts Association from pressing forward with some favorite summer events.

A tent is set up near where the building once stood at 12469 Route 123, and at 4 p.m. today the arts association will host its ninth annual wine tasting.

The event will feature samples from South Jefferson Wine and Liquor, Adams, Thousand Islands Winery, Cape Vincent, Yellow Barn Winery, Watertown, and — new to the lineup this year — Hazlitt 1852 Vinyards, Seneca Falls.

"It's going to be a little more low-key than it has been in the past," said Eunice J. Westcott, the group's president.

"We have no place to cook or store hot food, and we have no electricity on site right now," she said.

Cold hors d'oeuvres will be served and prerecorded music will be played.

"Sales have been pretty good so far," Ms. Westcott said.

Tickets for adults are $20, or $100 for a table of six.

"All the monies that we raise from the event are going towards the new building fund," Ms. Westcott said. "We're in the process of getting our first ideas ready for what the new building should look like, and after our meeting in August, we should be able to start moving forward."

Those who attend the wine tasting can as usual take away an engraved wine glass, but this year the glass will not be engraved with the name Mark Hopkins.