Pottsville’s yearly Winterfest celebration has drawn in a large crowd ever since the event began in 2017. Since the event has run for three consecutive years, the crowd has been getting larger.

Mr. Savas Logothetides, a member of P.A.D.C.O. said, “Last year’s event was better than we could have ever imagined for its first year. We took what we did last year and we enhanced it for this year. This year we have added vendors and food trucks as well as doubling the amount of snow for a winter activity area. We have also invited a professional ice sculpting company to join us this year. They will be putting on a four hour demonstration.”

One of the bands that will be playing there is Toolshed Jack. Toolshed Jack is a local group that plays many classic rock and pop songs. Also, the Spotlight Kidz ,a group of local Schuylkill County students, will be singing wintery themed music for those who enjoy supporting the younger community. Crimson Academy dancers will also be performing numbers from their Christmas Spectacular and  some new pieces.

Participants can enjoy a meal and music at some of the local restaurants and food trucks. The food and drink that will be there include Here Piggy Piggy Traveling BBQ, Kowalonek’s Kielbasy, Skook House of Jerky, and Pappy’s Kettle Korn. Children can also have fun in the ice skating rink, which is located in Towne Drugs parking lot.

“In order for our community to continue to move forward, these events are important and impactful. Last summer the city held around 30 events between smaller ones like Food Truck Friday and the Arch Street Market as well as larger ones like the 190th Anniversary of Yuengling and Great Pottsville Cruise. We have spoken to various areas who have been successful with revitalization like Jim Thorpe, Phoenixville, and Lititz. They have emphasized the importance of these events,” said Logothetides.

“I went to Winterfest last year because it seemed like a fun event to go to and enjoy with my friends. I think my favorite part about Winterfest was seeing what Yuengling had to offer,” said eighth grader Madison Eroh.

“I didn’t get to go to Winterfest last year, but I do plan to attend this year because of the new opportunities they have for students. I can’t wait to see how many people are there and how many events are there too,” said eighth grader Abbey Garrity.

“My favorite part about Winterfest is definitely getting asked to perform there. Since our dance studio is pretty new, it is wonderful to know that people in the community want us to dance for them, so dancing at Winterfest brings me a lot of joy. I think I love it so much because I love to watch everyone’s faces in the crowd who have never seen us perform before,” said senior Morgan Rich.

The annual Winterfest will begin on February 8th at 11:00 AM and will conclude at 5PM. The event will take place on 2nd Street between Market and Mahantongo Streets. The Winterfest is presented by the Greater Pottsville Winter Carnival, “and I hope to see everyone there this year,” said Logothetides.