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Area residents will start the countdown to the Fourth of July holiday this weekend in Wintersville.
Thunder in the Ville, which will run Friday and Saturday, has for nearly three decades served as the Tri-State Area's unofficial start of the Independence Day holiday. The formula for its success is simple -- it offers a weekend of fun, activities for adults and children, vendors, food and, of course, fireworks.
It's a tradition that will be renewed at the Jefferson County Airpark.
The festival will get started at 4 p.m. Friday, with opening ceremonies set to begin at 6 p.m. That will be followed by a performance from Twice as Nice. Saturday's schedule begins at noon and will feature music from WCDK-FM from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; a performance by Russ Buchanan from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; and a performance from Cross Creek the Band beginning at 7:30 p.m.
There will be a petting zoo, inflatable attractions, a kiddie train ride, a presentation by the robotics team from Steubenville High School and, weather permitting, a laser shooting range.
Local officials and businesspeople will serve as targets for a dunk tank, with proceeds going to help fund the 2025 event. Plus, there will be gun drawings and a 50-50 drawing.
All of that will lead up to the fireworks at 10 p.m. Saturday -- the first of many presentations that will be held across the region during the next couple of weeks.
While there is parking available at the airport, shuttle service will be provided from the lots at Kroger, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and the Village Building.
Working to make the event possible is a team of dedicated volunteers. Their efforts, combined with the continued support of many individuals and local businesses, including this year's lead sponsor, Interstate Waste Services, have helped make Thunder in the Ville one of the region's premiere summer events.