Winter fair brings food, activities to West End this weekend

This weekend, the 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.

“It’s going to be an old-fashioned event. Come out and enjoy the bands and keep warm by the fires,” said Dale “Peanut” Greenzweig Jr., co-chairman of the winter fair committee.

It will be held Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It costs $5 per carload.

Brian Dean Moore Band will perform on Saturday starting at noon, and the Cramer Brothers Band will perform on Sunday starting at 11:30 a.m., Greenzweig said.

“The bands will play 30 minutes on, then have 30 minutes off. That will continue all day,” he said.

The fair committee will sell a variety of food and beverages. This includes hot dogs, hamburgers, hearty soups made over the open fire in old-fashioned kettles, macaroni and cheese, soda, tea, coffee, hot chocolate and water.

Pizza and pretzels will be made in the Jonas bake oven.

Blue Ridge Winery will sell wine by the glass, and Pocono Brewery Company will sell craft beer.

Guests can warm up at the fire barrels all around the festival.

“The weather forecast shows temperatures in the 40s. It won’t be frigid,” said committee member Patricia Mackes. “That’s a blessing.”

Sugar Hollow Farms made a big fire ring with blocks, where adults and children can make s’mores.

Darlene Beers, Mackes and her daughter, Pam Borger, packaged graham crackers and a type of marshmallow with chocolate in it. One package is $2.

“We put together 300 packages and can make more if needed,” Mackes said.

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.

“It will look awesome. We made snowflakes, have wreaths and greenery, lights, Peanut made a snowman out of a pallet and we have so many other snowmen. A lot of people spent hours and hours getting ready for the event,” said Mackes, also a member of the Western Pocono Women’s Club, whose members are helping decorate.

Despite minimal snowfall this winter in the West End, the winter festival will have lots for guests to do.

“A lack of snow won’t affect the amount of fun we’ll have. We can’t do a snowball fight or other snow games, but we will have a Christmas tree throw,” Greenzweig said.

While the bands take a break, there will be a few opportunities throughout the weekend to see how far you can throw a Christmas tree.

For a minimal cost, guests can take a ride on a horse-drawn wagon. There will be free tractor-drawn wagon rides as well.

“We are having a firework display and lantern release around 6 p.m. Saturday when it gets dark,” said Greenzweig.

Lanterns will cost $15 apiece, and guests can write a message to place inside it.

Shooting Star Fireworks, based in the Lehigh Valley, will provide the display, Greenzweig said.

The winter fair will also include a petting zoo, pony rides, and the fair queens will provide activities for the children both days.

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.

There will be a tricky tray with an array of prizes. The drawing will occur at the end of Sunday’s event. Winners do not need to be present; someone will contact them by phone.

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

“Come out, have fun and enjoy the music,” Greenzweig said.

For more information, see www.thewestendfair.com.