Guests sipped, savoured and strolled Saturday as they enjoyed a relaxing evening of music, art and libations amid some spectacular gardens in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

The occasion was, appropriately, the Shaw Guild's “Sip, Savour & Stroll” fundraiser in support of the Shaw Festival.

Guests visited three gardens during the evening: the Royal George Gallery Garden, which is maintained by Shaw Guild volunteers, and two private gardens nearby. In each location they enjoyed refreshments along with the spectacular garden settings.

“The guild hosted Sip, Savour & Stroll in 2019, but it was on a smaller scale,” said Mary Mizen, a guild volunteer and one of the event organizers.

“We wanted to expand the event this year, and so we added live music, door prizes and an auction of original art.”

Keith Mills, another guild volunteer and member of the organizing team, thanked the homeowners who offered their gardens, as well as area businesses that sponsored the event.

“Originally Sip, Savour & Stroll was to take place in 2020, but needed to be postponed due to the pandemic. When we began plans for 2021, local businesses stepped up to support us, despite any challenges they may have faced in the past months.”

Platinum sponsors included Music Niagara, Treadwell Cuisine and Engel & Volkers sales representative Cheryl Munce.

Gold sponsors were Cacio Pepe, Jackson-Triggs Winery and Sykes Landscaping, while silver sponsors were DeKorte’s Landscaping, Monfriese Rum Cakes, Reif Estate Winery, Simpson’s Pharmacy and Harvest Barn.

In addition, many other businesses donated prizes, beverages, art and more.

Plans are afoot for a similar event in 2022 and details will be posted on the Shaw Guild website, shawguild.ca.