POTTSVILLE, Pa. — In the darkest and coldest months of the year, members of the Schuylkill County Chamber of Commerce are looking to liven things up at Winterfest this weekend.
"Something for everyone, and it's going to be exciting, and why sit at home in the bleakest months of the year when we can all be together celebrating Schuylkill County," said Robert Carl, Schuylkill County Chamber of Commerce.
Celebrating Schuylkill County and everything it has to offer. This weekend at Winterfest, there will be a Yuengling beer bar, food trucks, live music, a kid's corner, and dozens of vendors.
Winterfest comes to Schuylkill County just in time for winter to really settle in.
"We'll have a bunch of heaters, we'll have a bunch of burn barrels to keep us warm, so don't be afraid of the cold. We'll help keep you warm," said Samantha Day, Schuylkill County Chamber of Commerce.
And if you are still cold, Winterfest is happening throughout downtown Pottsville, so there are places to check out inside, too.
"Warm up inside, take a look at some of the businesses around town, stop in and say hello to them as well," said Samantha Chivinski, Schuylkill County Chamber of Commerce.
Plus, there will be a chili cook-off and boilo contests.
Contestants of the Greater Pottsville Winter Carnival will be there, too. The Winter Carnival is a cherished tradition here in Schuylkill County, and Winterfest kicks off all of the events leading up to that in a few weeks.
"The whole point of Winter Carnival is doing stuff for your community and representing our community, and we've been trying so hard to represent them well, so it will be fun to see everybody this weekend," said Winter Carnival Queen of Snows, Hannah Leskin.
The last time Pottsville had a Winterfest was pre-Covid in 2020, and after a couple of years off, this is the first time it is the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce hosting the event.
Members say this is what the Chamber is all about.
"Pottsville has always had this winter theme under Winter Carnival, so we thought maybe we can rejuvenate this and celebrate businesses, nonprofits, and the community at large, making it a great family event," Carl said.
Schuylkill Winterfest is on Saturday, January 20, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in downtown Pottsville. For more information, click here.