Thunder countdown is on
Trending
WINTERSVILLE -- Area residents will be able to begin their Independence Day celebration early and see a piece of history Saturday when Thunder in the Ville returns to the Jefferson County Airpark.
Having been the region's first holiday fireworks display for the past 30 years or so, this year's event will be special, organizers said.
"It's a big deal, because it's also America 250 -- how many times do you get to celebrate that?" asked Wintersville Mayor Mike Petrella, who is heading up the group of volunteers planning the event.
"So, as the kickoff to the entire weeklong event for Jefferson County, we're happy to be a part of it," he added. "We're happy to be at the Jefferson County Airpark again."
Thunder in the Ville is returning to a festival format this year. It will begin at 4 p.m., with the annual fireworks display set to begin at 10 p.m. Last year's edition featured only fireworks.
"There will be a lot of activities for the kids and a lot of vendors and food trucks coming," Petrella said. "We have so much to do this year -- everyone's really excited about it."
Joining Petrella on the planning committee are Kim and Al Bozich, Executive Director Emily Byers and Buster Bowman of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce.
After opening ceremonies at 4 p.m., the festival will feature a petting zoo from 4-7 p.m.; bounce houses from 4-9 p.m.; face painting from 4-7 p.m.; train rides from 4-9 p.m.; a carnival game tent from 4-10 p.m.; a foam party from 6-7 p.m.; balloon twisting from 6-9 p.m.; acoustic music by Cooper Crow from 6:30-7:30 p.m.; and music by the Denizens from 8:30-10 p.m.
The fireworks are scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs.
Interstate Waste Services is the presenting sponsor for the event.
In addition to the activities, attendees will get the chance to see the historic Douglas C-47B Skytrain, Luck of the Irish, which will be on display during the festival.
This World War II aircraft served in Europe during the final months of the war, participating in missions that supported Allied troops and helped bring the war to an end. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast, a history buff, a veteran or simply looking for something unique to experience with your family, the C-47B is impressive.
The plane flew two resupply missions during the Battle of the Bulge, Dec. 24-26, 1944. It dropped supplies from parapacks as well as the fuselage to the surrounded troops in Bastogne.
It also was a part of Operation Varsity on March 24, 1945, which remains the single largest airdrop of troops and supplies during a single day, towing two Waco CG-4A gliders full of troops.
Luck of the Irish is operated by the Air Heritage Museum in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania.
There also will be a dunk tank. Scheduled participants are Wintersville Police Chief Lou Vandeborne, 5-5:30 p.m.; Realtor James Lash and Jenny Ohalek of GoGo Pest Control, 5:30-6 p.m.; Steubenville Mayor Ralph Petrella, 6:30-7 p.m.; Jefferson County Commissioner Eric Timmons, 7-7:30 p.m.; Molly Powell, 7:30-8 p.m.; Carley Penner, 8-8:30 p.m.; and Annie Campbell of M&M Hardware, 8:30-9 p.m.
"The dunk tank is always fun and entertaining, and it's a good way for us to raise money, too," Petrella said. "It makes it fun for everybody."
Proceeds from the event will be used to fund next year's festival, Petrella said.
He added that organizers do not expect parking to be an issue, with the area being expanded to the soccer fields this year. He added that Steel Valley Regional Transit Authority will operate a shuttle service between the on-site parking areas and the festival area, meaning attendees will not have to walk far.
SVRTA is providing shuttle service beginning at 4 p.m. and running through the end of the evening. Stops will include the Wintersville Kroger, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Ridgewood Apartments and Briarwood Apartments.
Other events that are part of Jefferson County's America 250 celebration include Sunday's veterans barbecue in Steubenville; Monday's Quaker concert in Dillonvale; Tuesday's Tri-State Community Band concert in Toronto; Wednesday's Wednesdays in Wintersville; July 2's 1170 Jamboree Staff Band Reunion Show at the Berkman Amphitheater; July 3's First Fridays on Fourth in Steubenville; and July 4 fireworks in Toronto and Steubenville.