TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
Cathy and her husband, Mark, have overseen the Wine Festival since its inception in 2015. Both are members of the Alzheimer’s Alliance Tri-State Board of Directors and understand the importance of the organization’s work in the Texarkana area. “Alzheimer’s impacts the lives of more than 17,000 families in our area,” said Executive Director Terrie Arnold. “The Alzheimer’s Alliance works diligently to provide these families with education and support and to improve their quality of life. Funding from the Wine Festival allows us to continue this mission.” Last year’s event drew more than 15,000 attendees, and organizers expect that number to increase in 2023. Event co-chair Mark Van Herpen appreciates the support of attendees, sponsors, and volunteers. “Our community has really embraced this event, and we’re thankful. Our sponsors make it possible, and our volunteers make it happen. Our committee numbers almost 50, and many more volunteers work very hard the weekend of the festival,” he said. “It’s great to see everybody working together on behalf of families affected by Alzheimer’s.” Admission to the Twice as Fine Texarkana Wine Festival is free. Twenty dollars gets you into the Wine Garden for tastings, a souvenir wine glass, and a wine bag. Wine will be available by the taste for one dollar or by the glass for five dollars. Bottles will also be for sale. A beer booth will serve those who prefer alternate libations. Someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease every 66 seconds. It is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. An estimated 5.5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia. The Alzheimer’s Alliance Tri-State Area faces these grim statistics head-on, and the Twice as Fine Wine Festival is just one of the ways they do it. The event is all about fun, but its purpose could not be more serious. Everyone is invited to be a part of improving the lives of Alzheimer’s patients and their families by coming to Spring Lake Park on May 6. The fun, while a bonus, is a sure thing. So, celebrate good times… come on!
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COMMUNITY & CULTURE
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