Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Schuylkill Winterfest Returns to Pottsville This Saturday

Get ready to embrace the winter spirit as Schuylkill Winterfest brings a day packed with exciting activities, local vendors, and entertainment to Pottsville this Saturday, January 18, 2025. 

The event is being hosted at the Alvernia University Pottsville CollegeTowne lot and organized by the Schuylkill County Chamber of Commerce, the event runs from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Explore Local Vendors

Visitors will have the chance to explore a wide variety of local crafters, artisans, and food stands throughout the CollegeTowne facility and its parking lot including:

  • 5 Schmuck's Winery
  • Benigna's Creek Vineyard & Winery
  • E&E Soul Food, LLC
  • Essentially Blessed Elderberry Syrup
  • Honey Brook Farm
  • Main Street Moonshine
  • Rebel Hive Meadery
  • Ruth Steinert Memorial SPCA
  • Uncle Paul's Stuffed Pretzels

Yuengling Beer Bar

The Yuengling Beer Bar will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and enjoy brews from America’s oldest brewery. Commemorative Schuylkill Winterfest mugs, sponsored by Bob Weaver Auto, will be available for purchase.

Ice Sculpture Demonstration

Witness an ice sculptor transform blocks of ice into a stunning masterpiece, courtesy of Onvo. The demonstration will run from 11:00 a.m. until approximately 2:00 or 3:00 p.m. in the middle of the CollegeTowne parking lot.

Kids’ Area

Fun for children will be in full swing with activities sponsored by Renewal by Andersen of Central Pennsylvania. Highlights include:

  • Free airbrush tattoos from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • A snowball throwing contest from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
  • A tallest marshmallow tower contest from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Three lucky winners will take home a bicycle from Guardian Bikes!

Live Entertainment

Enjoy live entertainment sponsored by Explore Schuylkill:

  • 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Meet the contestants of the Greater Pottsville Winter Carnival.

  • 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.: A live performance by Hooligan.

Food and Beverage Contests

Food enthusiasts can cheer on participants in two thrilling competitions:

  • Mrs. T’s Pierogy Eating Contest (1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.) in front of the stage. Interested contestants can contact Anthony Merchlinsky at amerchlinsky@schuylkillchamber.com.

  • Boilo Contest (2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.) inside Alvernia University. Show off your best traditional and non-traditional recipes by registering with Cierra Abrachinsky at cabrachinsky@schuylkillchamber.com.

Carriage Rides

Experience carriage rides along Progress Avenue, sponsored by Hidden River Credit Union. Rides are available from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tickets cost $5 per person (children under 3 ride free) and can be purchased online. Check in at the information center inside Alvernia University.

50/50 Raffle

Don’t miss the chance to win big in the 50/50 raffle, with the winner announced at 3:30 p.m. on the Explore Schuylkill Stage.