The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual Schuylkill Winterfest on Saturday, transforming Alvernia University’s Pottsville CollegeTowne into a festive winter wonderland filled with community spirit, family fun, and friendly competition.
The event kicked off with the introduction of the Pottsville Winter Carnival participants, followed by a performance from the popular local band Hooligan. The day’s attractions kept attendees entertained with a variety of activities, including vendors, food trucks, ice sculpting demonstrations, and carriage rides.
One of the day’s most anticipated highlights was the Mrs. T’s Pierogies Eating Contest. Seven determined participants raced to consume 25 pierogies as quickly as possible. Bryant Grimm, of Orwigsburg, claimed victory, finishing his plate in an impressive 2 minutes and 46 seconds, earning bragging rights and more Mrs. T's Pierogies!
Another fan-favorite event was the Boilo Contest, a nod to the champagne of the Coal Region. The contest featured two categories: Traditional and Non-Traditional. Renee Buchanan, of Shenandoah, triumphed in the Traditional category, while Allen Hedemann, of Pottsville, took home top honors in the Non-Traditional division.
Despite chilly temperatures, hundreds of people flocked to the festival, enjoying a more moderate winter day compared to last year’s frigid conditions. Attendees of all ages soaked in the festive atmosphere, enjoying the diverse offerings and celebrating the unique culture of Schuylkill County.
