The holiday celebrations continue in Martins Ferry this weekend as the city’s fourth annual Winterfest takes place from noon until 10 p.m., with festival central located at the gazebo on the corner of 5th and Hanover Sts.
Started in 2017 to help further the sense of community whilst generating funding to help Project Forward in its mission to revitalize downtown Martins Ferry, Winterfest was not held in December 2020, for obvious reasons.
It makes its triumphant return Saturday in the Purple City, and spokesman and Project Forward member Paul Stecker admitted he’s heard the excitement swell amongst the citizenry for the return of Winterfest.
“We’re really looking forward to bringing it back and being able to bring the community together downtown,” Stecker said. “It’s been about a six-month process getting ready. As soon as the Strawberry Festival is over, right after that in June, we get started on Winterfest.”
There are a few new additions to Winterfest for 2021, including inflatable rides for the kids. From noon until 9 p.m., parents may purchase a play-all-day wristband for $10 for their children to enjoy. The band covers both the inflatables and the use of the ice-skating rink, which is making its return.
Outdoor activities of that nature, especially during the winter, can be hit or miss, depending on how much the weather forecast chooses to cooperate. Thus far, the forecast calls for temps in the mid-40s, but only a 2 percent chance of rain according to accuweather.com.
Colder temps haven’t deterred festival-goers in the past. But Stecker knows the addition of the inflatables, coupled with an ideal forecast, should go over well.
“It looks like it’ll be pretty nice out, so the fingers are all crossed,” he said. “We’re praying for good weather. But for the inflatables, we really just wanted more activities for the kids to do. We’ll also have the ice-skating rink as we’ve had in the past. The cost for all is $10.”
In addition, children in attendance can enjoy face-painting, balloon animals, crafts, plus Santa will be on hand from 12:30-3:30 p.m. in case any child needs to get in a last-minute alteration to his or her Christmas list.
Other Events
Another new aspect to Winterfest is a dog show and dog costume contest, along with a dog and owner look-a-like contest. Finally, there will be a wiener dog race, with all pooch-related events taking place between 3-4 p.m.
The Snotty Pooch in St. Clairsville, which has run a few successful wiener dog races and costume contests throughout the year, will be handling these events for Winterfest.
Word has spread fast too.
“We’ve gotten a lot of inquiries about the dog events, and I think that’s going to bring out a lot of people,” Stecker admitted.
Food will be in abundance as numerous food trucks, all that previous Winterfest and Strawberry Festival goers come to know and enjoy, will be selling their delicious creations.
There will also be a beer garden and live entertainment. D.J. Ted Williams will play the hits from noon until 4 p.m. That’s when the Sarah Hays Band will perform from 4-7 p.m., followed by Pocket Change from 7:30 until the festival’s close at 10.
Despite playing an outdoor venue during early December, Stecker noted he’s had little issue filling the musical roster for the festival.
“It’s not bad as we were able to book entertainment without too much of an issue,” Stecker noted. “The stage is heated, and even in years past when we’ve had super cold Winterfests, because of the heating, the bands have been able to play comfortably.”
Another big boost, as far as festival organizers are concerned, is the support from the local business community. Unified Bank, Hot Rod Tattooing, Dan Stephens State Farm, and AEP all came through as Santa Level sponsors to claim top-tier status.
Frosty & Rudolph Level business sponsors include Valleywide Insurance, Zontinis, Belmont Brewerks, Belmont College, Belmont Savings Bank, Wilson Funeral Home/Heslop Chapel, Deluxe Toy & Hobby, Lind Brown Allstate, Kendall Behavioral Services, Stecker Law, The Times Leader, Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration, and Carolina Furniture.
Stecker and the members of Project Forward are appreciative of the help as the businesses in town once again have come through for the community.
“The businesses, we’ve been super grateful for all of our sponsors,” Stecker said. “All the cooperation we get from the businesses in downtown, everyone pitches in, and we’re excited to bring the people in and see what they have to offer.”
