Ozarks Public Television (OPT) and Brown Derby Wine Center present the 34th Annual Wine and Food Celebration from 2-5 p.m. Oct. 22 at the White River Conference Center in Springfield.

This year’s event will benefit OPT’s children’s programming. Sponsored by Easter Law Firm, it offers guests the opportunity to savor food from area restaurants, as well as wine, craft beer and cocktails from an elite list of vendors.

The celebration will also feature a photo booth, wine pull, raffle, Plinko and musical entertainment by DJ Platinum.

“Our annual Wine and Food Celebration is a fun way for the community to support children’s educational programming,” OPT General Manager Rachel Knight said.

For decades, public television has played a critical role in helping children show up on their first day of school ready to succeed.

More than 90,000 little learners in the Ozarks tune into OPT each week and are building core literacy, math and socio-emotional skills with shows like Sesame Street, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and Donkey Hodie. For context, that’s more than the total K-12 enrollment of the largest dozen local school systems.

“Providing children’s on-air and online services requires a significant investment,” Knight said. “We’re grateful to our partner, Brown Derby Wine Center, our sponsors, and the participating restaurants and beverage vendors that make this important fundraiser an event that keeps the community coming back year after year.”

Get your tickets

Tickets are available online or at the Brown Derby Wine Center, 2023 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield.

A limited number of gold tickets are available for $100. They include early entry at 1 p.m., valet parking, reserved seating and a commemorative wine glass.

Advanced silver tickets are $40. They will also be available at the door for $60.

Food and drink vendors

Participating food vendors include Andy’s Frozen Custard, Archie’s Italian Eatery, Avanzare Italian Dining, Bambino’s Café, Brown Derby’s Derby Deli, Cabos Bonitos Grill & Cantina, Dublin’s Pass, Houlihan’s, La Habana Vieja, Mama Jean’s Natural Market & Deli, Pappo’s Pizzeria, Retro Metro, The Urban Cup, Traza Contemporary International and the White River Conference Center.

More than 25 drink vendors are participating, including 4 By 4 Brewing Company, Alama de Jaguar Tequilla, Blue Note Distillery, Bronco Wine Company, Crave Cocktails, Don Sebastian & Sons, Dough Ball Whiskey, Great Escape Beer Works, Hold Fast Brewing, Honey Creek Hollow Rums, Hope Family Wines, Oak Ridge Winery, Piney River Brewing Company, Prestige Wine Imports, Purple Wine & Spirits, Ranch La Gloria, Springfield Brewing Company, Starlight Blackberry Whiskey, Stone Hill Winery, The Coffee Ethic, Thomas Allen Winery, Tom’s Town Distillery, Truman Reserve Bourbon, Ty Iechyd Da Distillery, Wine Hooligans, Wire Road Brewing Company, and Vintegrity.

Buy a ticket