Bundle up for a day full of winter fun at the 2025 Schuylkill Winterfest, happening on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., in the parking lot of Alvernia University Pottsville CollegeTowne, 500 Progress Ave., Pottsville. The event, hosted by the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce, and presented by CACL Financial, is family-friendly.

“Schuylkill Winterfest creates an opportunity for residents and visitors to enjoy all that Schuylkill County has to offer. It creates opportunities for local businesses and nurtures a sense of community pride,” said Robert S. Carl Jr., Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce President & CEO.

Carl said hosting community events is essential for driving economic growth and strengthening the sense of community by highlighting our heritage and traditions.

“Events like Schuylkill Winterfest are so important to enhancing the quality of life in our county. While the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce has long been at the forefront of events like Schuylkill Winterfest and other economic development initiatives, it takes all of us working together to ensure a bright future for our county and our neighbors. CACL Financial is grateful for the opportunity to contribute,” said a spokesperson for CACL Financial.

Schuylkill Winterfest will feature a wide range of exciting activities for all ages, including:

• Kids’ Activities: Young festival-goers can enjoy activities like a marshmallow building contest, snowball throwing contest, hot chocolate station (while supplies last) and air brush tattoos. Three lucky winners will go home with a bike, courtesy of Guardian Bikes.

• Horse Carriage Rides: Experience the charm of the season with a horse-drawn carriage ride with Leiby’s Carriage Services LLC. Presale tickets are now available online or call 570-622-1942. Rides will run every 20 minutes between 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tickets will be available for select timeslots at the event upon availability. Children ages 3 and under ride free.

• Yuengling Beer Bar: For those 21 and older, the Yuengling Beer Bar will be serving cold beer in the heart of winter’s chill. 2025 Winterfest mugs are available for presale at the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Winterfest mugs are $10 each and come with one complimentary beer ticket (for those 21 years of age or older).

• Live Entertainment: At the Explore Schuylkill Stage, attendees will meet this year’s contestants of the Greater Pottsville Winter Carnival at noon followed by a live performance by local rock band, Hooligan starting at 12:30 p.m.

• Craft Vendors and Food Trucks: Shop locally and enjoy food and beverages from a variety of food and beverage vendors. Craft vendors will be located inside Alvernia University Pottsville CollegeTowne. Food and beverage trucks will be located around the event perimeter.

• Ice Sculptures: Marvel at the intricate ice sculptures sponsored by local businesses throughout the event. Enjoy a live ice sculpture demonstration of Onvo the Owl, starting at 11 a.m.

• Pierogy Eating Contest: Put your appetite to the test as a contestant or cheer on the contestants of the Mrs. T’s Pierogy Eating Contest. To enter as a contestant, contact Tony Merchlinsky at amerchlinsky@schuylkillchamber.com or call 570-622-1942.

• Boilo Contest: Judge’s will decide who makes the best Boilo in Schuylkill County. The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce is accepting 10 traditional boilo submissions and 10 non-traditional boilo submissions. A limited number of tickets will be available to purchase at event. Presale tickets are not available. Tickets are $10 each, will allow ticket buyers to sample the boilo submissions, and will be available to individuals who are 21 years of age old or older. Valid ID must be presented. The chamber is still accepting boilo contestants. For more information, contact Cierra Abrachinsky, at cabrachinsky@schuylkillchamber.com or call 570-622-1942.

• Winterfest Hats: 2025 Winterfest hats are available for presale at Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce. Hats will be available for sale at the event and can be found at the Information Area.

• Free Event Parking: Event parking will be available at Capital Parking Deck on Progress Avenue. Additional parking available in business parking lots along Terry Reiley Way and street parking. Parking is free in Downtown Pottsville on Saturdays.

Additional event information may be found on the Schuylkill Winterfest Web page located on the chamber’s website and the Schuylkill Winterfest Facebook page.