FESTIVAL CREW — Volunteers with the Thunder in the Ville committee gathered last week to finalize details for the festival, which returns this weekend to the Jefferson County Airpark. The group includes, seated clockwise from left, Janet Sharpe, Don Snider, Harry Nicholson, Paulette McCloud, Tammy Straka, Carolyn Book, Seth Demos, Syl DiGregory, Kevin McGuire and Leroy Sharpe; and standing chairman Tom Straka and Mayor Mike Petrella. - Warren Scott

WINTERSVILLE — Since reviving Thunder in the Ville last year, a group of volunteers behind the popular summer festival has been working to expand on it.

Set for Friday evening and Saturday at the Jefferson County Airpark, this year’s event will include live entertainment on both days and two inflatable attractions for children, carnival games and other activities on Saturday.

About 20 food and other vendors are slated to open for business after 4 p.m. Friday, with area dance band Twice as Nice set to appear from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. that evening.

The festival will resume Saturday at about 1 p.m. with a live remote by WCDK-FM at 2 p.m., followed by music from the Ron Retzer Trio from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Elisha Fletcher, a vocalist, musician and past winner of the Ohio Valley’s Got Talent singing competition, at 7 p.m.; and Cross Creek the Band between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m., taking a break at about 10 p.m. for the fireworks display for which the event is named.

There also will be a car cruise, organized by the Steel Valley Antique Car Club, beginning at 1 p.m.

Car owners are asked to arrive at noon for the show, which will include dash plaques for the first 50 participants.

While parking will be available at the airport, attendees also may park at the Village Municipal Building on Grove Street and catch a shuttle to the site courtesy of Steel Valley Regional Transit Authority.

Mayor Mike Petrella said he’s very pleased to have the local Army recruiting office join the festival with an assortment of games as well as providing volunteer support.

He said festival-goers also will have an opportunity to “sink” several special guests who have agreed to serve as targets in a dunk tank while a motorized miniature train will offer children rides through the festival’s grounds.

Petrella noted many area businesses have joined the village in contributing funds for the fireworks — which will be provided by American Fireworks of Stow — and other expenses.

He noted the Wintersville McDonald’s gave the event an early boost, donating a portion of sales on the evening of May 12 to it.

The Thunder in the Ville Committee also is selling chances for two cash prizes to be awarded during the festival. The $20 purchase of a ticket entitles its holder to a chance to win $2,500 on the first night and $5,000 on the second night.

The tickets will be available through the week at the Village Municipal Building.

Petrella expressed thanks to officials with the airport for making its grounds available and to members of the volunteer committee who have been busy planning for this year.

The group is headed by Tom Straka, who was among a handful of volunteers to lead such efforts since it was begun in 2000.

Dan Wood and Gary Folden also were among organizers who spearheaded it at locations that included the lot behind the former Treasurer Island Flea Market and the grounds of Indian Creek High School.

(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com.)