Witnessing revitalization and tradition warmed the hearts of Pottsville Winterfest visitors more than the various burn barrels across the Jan. 20 event.
Vendors, performances and a KidzKorner entertained visitors outdoors while Schuylkill County staples came to life through a chili cookoff and boilo competitions — both new to this year’s event — inside the Arrow Studio and Events Center.
“I like things traditional,” Joe Doran said. “I think we’re losing a lot of traditions, and so to me, this is great to keep those traditions.”
“It’s great to see something traditional that you see your past few generations for,” said Pilger Ruh owner and boilo judge Tyler Budwash.
Doran entered both the chili cookoff and traditional boilo competition. His chili placed second.
“And they said my number on second and then I went, ‘So I got second?’ It was great,” he said with a smile.
Pete Kalinich took first place with his “Over The Top Chili,” and Amy Landis was third.
Doran said he didn’t attend the competitions with the expectation to win but wanted to support local businesses and promote county traditions.
As did many other contestants.
Scott Staudenmeier said he didn’t know what to expect but admitted he does have a track record of placing top three in such contests. His traditional boilo — which he describes as a “a citrus punch with a bite” — won first place.
Matthew Thomas placed second, and Dave Miller was third.
For the apple pie boilo competition, Ben Craig placed first, followed by Jason Landis in second and Joseph Drasdis III in third.
Mike Tobash, a boilo judge, called the contest an inspiration to what lies ahead.
“There’s been a group of public servants who have worked really hard on revitalization,” Tobash said. “ … This is the example of what can be done when people come together.”
Samantha Chivinski, Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce executive vice president, said she heard similar feedback throughout the day.
“I definitely think that we saw more people than anticipated,” Chivinski said, “definitely some people from out of the area that came to support the businesses, which was really nice to see in here. So that’s what we’re all about: supporting the community and bringing awareness to these businesses.”
State Rep. Tim Twardzik, R-123, Butler Twp., said it felt great to “see a nice crowd in Pottsville,” despite the low temperatures.
“Again, Schuylkill County likes a good time,” Twardzik said.
Source: Berkshire mont
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