WINTERSVILLE - For 17 years, the annual "Thunder in the Ville" fireworks festival has entertained area residents with music, food and, of course, fireworks.
This year's event is set to begin at 6 p.m. Friday and will continue at noon on Saturday at the Treasure Island Flea Market in Wintersville.
"We're going to be bigger than last year. We're continuing to grow every year," said organizer Tom Straka.
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ORGANIZERS — Organizers on Wednesday met at the Wintersville Municipal Building to discuss and finalize plans for the annual “Thunder in the Ville” fireworks festival. This weekend’s event, set to begin at 6 p.m. Friday, will feature music, food vendors, a car show, cornhole tournaments and fireworks. Those organizing the event include, from left, Tom Cucarese, Paulette McCloud, Tom Straka, Monte Sutton, Tammy Straka, Leroy Sharpe, Jesse Peltz, Janet Sharpe, Jim Peltz and Harry Nicholson. - Jeremy Kins
The opening ceremony on Friday will feature the national anthem performed by Jefferson County Commissioner Thomas Graham and a prayer offering and speech from Mayor Bob Gale.
Music will begin at 7 p.m. that day with a performance by Heaven Bound, and the Silver Eagle Band will take the stage at 8 p.m. and play until 10 p.m.
Festival shirts will be sold at the event, it was noted.
Organizers said a cornhole tournament will take place starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday. The cost will be $10 per person. Entry rounds will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will allow multiple entries until 2:30 p.m. when the winners will take part in a single-elimination tournament. Prizes will be awarded.
The fourth-annual Street Dreams Rod and Custom Car Show is scheduled, with registration from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday. The cruise begins at 6 p.m. and will feature street rods, classic cars, hot rods, muscle cars and custom cars.
"There's not a parking lot in Wintersville that isn't full (during the festival). Every business benefits from the festival," said Straka.
Food vendors for the event will include fare such as hot dogs, sloppy joes, ice cream, steak hoagies, Mexican and Oriental. Crafters include Pampered Chef, handmade jewelry, candles and kids toys. Also, train rides will be available for a fee during the festival.
The band Hot Pursuit will play at 8 p.m. Saturday and a number of local dance groups will perform that day.
The fireworks, provided by American Fireworks, will begin at 10 p.m. Saturday, and Straka said the display is expected to be bigger than ever.
"The kids are the main reason for our fireworks. The expressions on their faces are just phenomenal," said Straka.
For information, contact Tammy Straka at (740) 266-3175.
