MOSES LAKE — It was a fairly simple premise. Mix one part strolling through downtown Moses Lake with one part sipping on some of the finest wines and beers around on Saturday to create another successful event that was designed to bring locals to downtown Moses Lake.

“How sad is that I have never been into like 70 percent of these businesses,” remarked a laughing Maryanne Garza. “Well if I get nothing else get out of today, now I have a bunch of new places to shop.”

Saturday’s event, dubbed “Sip & Stroll,” was organized by the Moses Lake Business Association and was similar to events in past years in its format with wine/brew tasting stations located in downtown Moses Lake businesses. The event is a lot bigger than simple beer and wine tasting because it drums up interest in Moses Lake’s downtown business corridor and brings community members together.

It also introduced community members to businesses they might or might not have been aware of. Moses Lake resident Peter Burns was beside himself when he found out there was a hobby store, Angry Squirrelz on West Third Avenue, in the downtown area.

“I’m not even a wine or beer drinker, but I have done something like this in the town I moved here from and I knew it would be a good way to see what is around here and a good way to meet people, make friends, all that good stuff,” Burns remarked. “Plus I now know where to go for some important things.”

After participants had their fill of wine, beer and strolling about the stores the event concluded with an after party at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center and an after-after party at Michael’s Market and Bistro.

“Not quite sure I will be able to summon the energy to make it to the after parties. All this walkin’ and wine done wore me out,” joked Ronald LaMont after leaving Miller’s Fine Jewelers. “I think I’ve spent enough mental money as it is. I have three daughters and a bunch of grandkids and have been compiling a mental list of Christmas gift ideas for this year.”

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.