Winesburg Fall Gathering an ode to small-town joy

Despite all of the hustle and bustle of a benefit auction and all of the people swarming around town, there’s something almost calming about the annual Winesburg Fall Gathering Auction and Raffle.

Maybe it is the idea of returning to a sense of community, a recollection of small-town Americana that so many people long for. Of course, the allure of the aroma of barbecue chicken and ham and bean soup doesn’t hurt.

The 29th annual event will take place Sept. 15-16, where an auction, plenty of food with several food trucks, sports activities, kids events, live music and hometown fellowship await those who venture to Winesburg for this event that has become a favorite for both those in the area and those from far away.

“This is one of those events that has become a beloved favorite for people because it is just an enjoyable, laid-back weekend of activities where people can gather and reminisce,” said Julie Rastetter, one of the event coordinators. “There’s this sense of camaraderie and fellowship that encompasses the gathering, and it seems to be a place where people can come and relax and soak in all of this nostalgia and the good feelings that surround Winesburg.”

The weekend will feature a men’s softball tournament on the ball field, along with a trio of bands offering live gospel and bluegrass music including performances by New Life Worship, 39 West and The County Line.

And speaking of softball, the food for the weekend is a home run. Byler’s BBQ, Beacon Café, Honey Girl Donuts, Chuckwagon and Smokin’ Chippers will all have a food truck presence on both days, and the Chick-Fil-A food truck will be there on Friday from 4-10 p.m.

In addition, the fire department barbecue chicken dinners will be available beginning Saturday at 3 p.m., along with the Winesburg Historical Society’s homemade ice cream.

On Saturday the food trucks will open at 8 a.m., and the softball will continue. The main auction will begin at noon next to the ball field, and there also will be a pickleball tournament on the basketball court.

While the event began nearly three decades ago in the middle of town on Main Street, Rastetter said they decided last year to move everything down into the park area so it was more centralized and easier to access.

“It really makes it much nicer to have everything together in the park area,” she said.

The auction features plenty of items donated by local business owners who understand what this auction provides for families in need.

“We live in a very generous community, a very giving area where people take care of one another, and whether it is donating for the auction or raffle or coming to support by buying or even eating, people have stepped up to allow us to touch the lives of families in need through our benefit,” Rastetter said.

There will be plenty of auction items, from small to huge, and some of the highlights include a 40-by-60-by-10-foot garage/shop building, a leather sofa and loveseat combo from Yoder’s Home Sofas, several Amish-crafted bedroom suites, multiple Amish-crafted dining sets, outdoor poly furniture, a walk-behind mower, a new Hopeview top buggy with bio harness and Standardbred horse, a hunting blind, tons of locally made furniture, gift cards, tools and more.

In addition to the auction, there will be a raffle for prizes. Included in the items will be the grand prize of a trained pony with cart and harness, as well as a Magnum Metro S e-bike, a Traeger Flat Rock Griddle, an Amish-made glider, a Brista Pro espresso machine, a Yeti cooler filled with meats from Winesburg Meats, a 2023 softball bat, 50 pounds of Longhorn hamburger, a two-night stay package at Stone Cottage Inn in Winesburg and a Ninja blender.

The raffle will take place Saturday, Sept. 16, and ticket buyers need not be present to win. The drawing will take place at 8 p.m. at the park.

According to Rastetter, the auction, the raffle and all of the other fundraising efforts at this annual event paved the way to aid many families.

“The generous contributions to the annual Fall Gathering Auction and Raffle last year helped us raise a record amount of $216,000 and contributed to direct care and support of families right here in our community,” Rastetter said. “We’re excited to surpass last year’s goal and continue to make a difference. We look forward to everyone’s support and thanks to all for supporting our community members in need.”

She said they welcome any applicants, whether they are close by or range farther away.

“A lot of the families we’ve helped in the past have been impacted by accidents or health issues, widows and people who have lost their income,” Rastetter said. “We welcome suggestions from anyone who knows of people who are having a rough time.”

If anyone knows of someone they would like to nominate to receive support, they can email Eli Wengerd at eli@alpine-cabinets.com.

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