The Merchants Association of Columbia (MAC) will kick off the 2024 Fourth Friday series with Wine About Winter on Friday, Jan. 26, from 5 to 8 p.m.

"This is an annual event that hopes to drown out the winter blues," said Michelle McFarland, Fourth Friday coordinator. "We have four wineries at different locations around town."

Participating wineries will be Lavender Acres, stationed at Kindred Collections, 452 Locust St.; Mark & Val Wines at Art Printing Company in the Samuel Miller Mansion, 131 Locust St.; 27 Bridges in the Columbia Market House, 15 S. Third St.; and Renegade Winery at Keystone Artisan Werks, 199 Bridge St.

"Additionally, we have eight local shops that will host wine from these wineries for samples as well," McFarland shared. Additional participating locations are Murphy's Mercantile; Obscure Relics; Thistle & Sage Creative; HomeGoodies & Coffee; Geltz Gotz Goodeze; The Golden Whisk; Think Big Think Small We Have It All; and Lanco Smokes.

Live music from The Travelers will be featured at the Columbia Market House, and the Market House Coffee Corner, located in the market house, will offer charcuterie cups for sale.

MAC holds Fourth Friday events from January through September. "They are a great way to support local businesses and to put 'feet in the street,'" McFarland said. "Columbia has come alive again through the efforts of the community, business owners and the Merchants Association of Columbia, which hosts these events."

Most MAC events are free, she noted, and are geared toward building connections and community within Columbia.

"We have been drawing great crowds and people are genuinely in awe of the town and all it has to offer," she commented.

She hopes Wine About Winter will also bring out the crowds.

"If you want an opportunity to try some delicious wines, have fun with friends, listen to music and do a little shopping, then this is the place to be," she said. "And the tastings and music are free."

For more information about MAC, search for "Merchants Association of Columbia, PA" on Facebook or visit https://columbiamerchants.com.