West End Winter Fair coming in February

In late February, the West End Fairgrounds in Gilbert will be bustling with activity — two bands, a fire pit to make s’mores, a tricky tray, an array of food, various craft and retail vendors, a lantern release, activities for the kids and much more.

“Come on out to our first West End Winter Fair. We are trying to bring something fun and exciting into the community,” said Toni Dorshimer, co-chairwoman of the West End Winter Fair committee.

It will be held Feb. 22 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Feb. 23 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The entrance will be on County Park Road, by the building with the wooden quilt block. Patrons will park where the rides are during the summer.

“I think this will be big. People are excited for something to do in the middle of winter. It’s a lot of fun for $5 per carload,” said committee member Patricia Mackes.

Brian Dean Moore Band will perform on Saturday and the Cramer Brothers Band will perform on Sunday.

“These are two great bands that people in this area follow. I am looking forward to their entertainment and all the food,” said Mackes. “I can’t wait to see all the people enjoying themselves.”

The fair committee will sell a variety of food and beverages. This includes hot dogs, hamburgers, a hearty ham and bean soup, macaroni and cheese, soda, tea, coffee, hot chocolate and water, Dorshimer said.

“We will open the Jonas oven to make pizzas and pretzels,” said committee member Sue Hill, who has been working with 30-some vendors to plan the winter fair.

She said that the purpose of this event is to provide more activities for the community and raise money for the summer fair.

Sugar Hollow Farms is making a big fire ring with blocks, where adults and children can make s’mores. Patrons will purchase a kit containing the graham crackers, marshmallow and chocolate.

“We will have four or five barrels so guests can warm up. I think the barrels will be cool,” said Dale “Peanut” Greenzweig Jr., co-chairman of the committee.

The fair association began talk about a winter fair a year ago, Mackes said. It came up again in discussion before the 2019 summer fair.

And in November, the committee of about 20 people started to plan and prepare for the inaugural event.

Unlike the summer fair, there will be no amusement rides, livestock in the various buildings, agricultural exhibits or events in the main arena.

The winter fair will not use the full fairgrounds site. It will encompass the area around the kitchen, main stage and by the Jonas oven.

“The area will look festive with snowmen and anything pertaining to winter. We are making large snowflakes out of white plastic hangers. You have to have something big to stand out,” said Mackes, also a member of the Western Pocono Women’s Club, whose members are helping decorate.

She has a metal Mr. and Mrs. Snowman, wreaths and lights.

“Gradually, we are getting these things together for the winter fair,” she said.

A lantern release at 6:30 p.m. Saturday will also light up the sky.

It’s an idea they got from Pocono Raceway, whose lantern release in September drew a large crowd of spectators.

“You can purchase a lantern, write a message inside and send it up in memory of someone,” Hill said.

The biodegradable lanterns are made of thin paper and have a tea light candle inside. The lantern price hasn’t been determined yet, Greenzweig said.

“I’m looking forward to the lantern release. It will be a new experience for me,” Dorshimer said.

There will be a petting zoo, pony rides, wagon rides and the fair queens will provide activities for the children both days, Greenzweig said.

Bossard’s Board Works, a Palmerton painting studio, will offer walk-in opportunities to paint a board both days.

Guests can also pick up and start playing a game of cornhole whenever they wish throughout the two-day event, Dorshimer said.

There will be a tricky tray featuring gift baskets, gift cards and home décor. The committee is seeking donations from local businesses and individuals. Winners do not need to be present; someone will contact them by phone.

Weather is the one thing the committee has no control over. This part is up to Mother Nature.

“If there is a blizzard, we’ll make the best of it. We hope to have some snow on the ground,” Dorshimer said.

They will have the parking area plowed and walkways cleared.

“I’m looking forward to a big crowd of people. I hope they have a great time,” Hill said. “We’re hoping to do this every year.”

For more information or to donate a tricky tray item, contact Toni Dorshimer at bdorshi@ptd.net.