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POTTSVILLE — Over 1,000 individuals flocked to Alvernia University-Pottsville CollegeTowne on Saturday for the most recent installment of Winterfest, showcasing various craft exhibitors, boilo, pierogi consumption contests, and additional attractions.
The event, operating from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Alvernia facility and its parking area, was organized by the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce for the second consecutive year.
Presented by CACL Financial, the festival attracted a broad array of attendees eager to partake in the festive winter activities, cuisine, and merchandise, all infused with a Schuylkill County essence.
“There’s a lot happening here,” stated Samantha Day, the chamber’s director of events and marketing. “Our goal was to create a significant community gathering for all of Schuylkill County and nearby regions to attend.”
Six eager participants engaged in Mrs. T’s Pierogies’ pierogi-eating challenge, competing to see who could consume 25 pierogies in the least amount of time.
The champion was Bryant Grimm, who accomplished the feat in under three minutes. His reward? An additional serving of pierogies.
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Fourteen-year-old Michael Shannon, a dedicated pierogi lover, took part in the contest under the alias the “Pierogi Pirate.” He recently relocated with his family from Mechanicsburg to Shenandoah, where Mrs. T’s has its origin.
“I’ve been consuming pierogies since my childhood,” Shannon remarked.
Inside the Alvernia building, attendees appreciated batches of their preferred coal region beverage at the boilo contest, showcasing both traditional and modern recipes from various boilo artisans. This event was backed by Pioneer Pole Buildings Inc.
Additionally, horse-drawn carriage rides were provided by Leiby’s Carriage Service in Tamaqua, departing from Progress Avenue every 20 minutes.
Guests wandered throughout the area to explore over 30 food and craft vendors, several of which were located within Alvernia’s classrooms. Local nonprofits and businesses such as Ruth Steinert Memorial SPCA and Pilger Ruh Brewing were also represented.
In contrast to the freezing temperatures of last year’s festival, Saturday felt comparatively moderate at a chilly 37 degrees. Many attendees found warmth near several bonfire barrels set up across the parking area.
The occasion offered a steady lineup of entertainment. Participants from the upcoming Greater Pottsville Winter Carnival — along with the renowned Vulcans and Vulcanettes — introduced themselves on a stage outside. This was succeeded by a performance from the local rock group Hooligan from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
In the center of the lot, Michael Swingle sculpted an ice figure of Onvo the Owl, the official mascot of the Onvo company. The artist, hired by Onvo, had a real owl mascot alongside.
Throughout the event grounds, smaller pre-crafted ice sculptures displayed representations of organizations such as Mrs. T’s Pierogies and Fighter’s Heaven.
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