The Washington Infomer: Business

and fine wine,” said Show Manager Lynn Schwartz at the announcement event.

“We expect a broad cross-section of area residents to attend these exciting signature events,” said Carroll H. Hynson. Known as “Mr. C” to radio fans on WOL and WHUR for over 15 years, Hynson’s company is promoting the Food & Wine Festival and the Yacht Show at National Harbor. He said he anticipates that” these events will become favorites to the Washington area’s diverse and upscale population.”

The first annual Food & Wine Festival at National Harbor will bring life to the theme: Think Global. Taste Local. Organizers said they will present “celebrity chef cooking demonstrations, culinary lectures and over 110 exhibitors offering tastings.” Schwartz said tastings will include selections of the Chesapeake region’s many diverse restaurants, food crafters, wineries, breweries and wine and beer retailers.

Although National Harbor has failed in its latest attempt to get liquor licenses for its clubs and restaurants, the Food & Wine Festival will have alcohol available for people who attend its event. The general admission is $65 and includes 10 each food and alcoholic beverage vouchers, redeemable in tasting tents and entry to all events.

The Festival chose the theme “Share Our Strength,” which “works to alleviate childhood hunger in America” and Prince George’s County-based Erikka A. Hayes Foundation as the beneficiaries of the event. The Erikka A. Hayes Foundation is a non-profit program headed by Black club owner, Doc Hayes. The foundation works to educate and cultivate young people in the hospitality and food service industry.

In addition to being a recipient of a share of the proceeds, the Erikka A. Hayes Foundation was instrumental in obtaining the liquor license for the event, since only a non-profit could obtain a temporary license for National Harbor events now. Erikka A. Hayes (deceased), was the daughter of Doc Hayes, owner of Martini’s Restaurant and Lounge and Club Elite, both of which are Prince Georges County based businesses.

Hayes started the foundation in his daughter’s memory to provide training for workers in the hospitality industry and hopes to help position program trainees toward supplier contracts and/or employment positions at National Harbor.

In June, the United States Yacht Shows will present its first annual Yacht Show at National Harbor. From Thursday, June 5 through Sunday, June 8, the Yacht Show will feature yachts of no less than 60 feet that will be displayed in the water at the National Harbor’s marina facility. The yachts presented will be for sale, for charter, or will be an example of the quality construction from yacht builders showcasing at the show.

In promoting the two festival events to Black newspaper representatives, Hynson pointed out that “it’s the right time and place” for these high-end events to expand their outreach to African American audiences.

He said, “Prince George’s County is home to National Harbor, the wealthiest majority-Black county in the nation. It’s the right time and the right place to reach out to this audience.” The area’s demographics confirm Hynson’s premise.

“Not only will the Food and Wine Festival appeal to consumers and culinary professionals in the area, it will appeal to a substantial and growing Black middle-class population. People in this area are sophisticated and have considerable disposable income.”

“There are consumers in this market who are not just aspiring to buy such products. People who participate will find ways to increase their knowledge and pleasure in what they do in regards to food and wine,” Hynson said.

United States Yacht Shows Manager Dee Newman said at the press conference, “The National Harbor venue will provide consumer conveniences that no other show anywhere offers: easy access, lots of secure parking, a festive, park-like atmosphere and extraordinary vistas.”

The organization’s president Ed Hartman called National Harbor “a unique event that will take place in an extraordinary new venture.” Yacht Show VIP guests will enjoy a private lounge and complimentary food and beverages.