Winesburg Fall Gathering set to celebrate its 30th year

While Winesburg has been around as a town since its inception in 1829, the community will celebrate a 30-year anniversary this fall when the 30th annual Winesburg Fall Gathering & Benefit Auction takes place Friday and Saturday, Sept. 20-21 at Winesburg Park.

Each year the raffle plays a critical role in the fundraising process. This is a chance to help yourself to some great prizes while helping others in need.

Patrons may purchase tickets during the event, or they can buy raffle tickets online at www.visitwinesburgohio.com. Tickets are $20 apiece, 20 tickets are $250 or a 50-pack of tickets is $500.

Raffle prizes include a trained pony and cart, an e-bike, softball bats, a Breville coffee machine, a croquet set, a trip for two to Florida on Pioneer Trails, a Stone Cottage Inn two-night stay, a Yeti cooler filled with Winesburg Meats products, a $500 gift card to Miller Hardware, a $200 gift card to Premier Outdoors, and a kids hoverboard.

The Winesburg Community Business Association gathers donations throughout the year, aside from its annual fall gathering, but this event is the culmination of the fundraising process.

The annual Winesburg Fall Gathering & Benefit Auction is at the heart of that effort and financially supports individuals and families within the community who are in need.

The auction will start Saturday, Sept. 21 at noon under the big tent, which will be set up near the softball fields, with the larger items set to hit the auction block at 1 p.m. The auction will be packed with plenty of items, among them a 40-by-60-foot building, outdoor poly furniture, a Kubota tractor LX 2610 4WD, new Hopeview top buggy with buggy harness and Standardbred horse, loads of tools, gift cards, furniture, and a huge selection of items from big to small.

Last year’s auction brought in $227,000, all of which went into the community fund that has been helping to meet the needs of area families for the past three decades.

“Our community fund has been a blessing for dozens of individuals and families throughout our community who needed a helping hand, and as always all of the proceeds from the auction and the raffle go directly to families in need,” Winesburg Community Business Association member Emily Miller said.

While there will be a location during the fair for people to nominate recipients of the community fund, anyone may request a nomination form by emailing Eli Wengerd at eli@alpine-cabinets.com.

“As a result of everyone’s support, we are able to bless numerous widows, families, young adults and children in our community,” Miller said. “To all the donors of the auction and raffle items to each individual who purchased or won them at the event, we are grateful. Thank you for helping us serve those among us who need a little help right now.”

As for the activities surrounding the auction and raffle, there will be plenty to do. One new addition to the fundraising efforts this year will be a 50/50 drawing.

Live music will be featured on Friday from 6:30-9:30 p.m. including Liberated, County Line, Country Road Ramblers and the Dave Keim Band.

One new attraction will be a live show from national entertainer Ryan & Friends, where ventriloquist Ryan Bomgardner will bring his zany cast of characters to life for a humorous evening.

Bomgardner has been a favorite in Amish Country for years and will perform on Saturday from 11-11:45 a.m.

It all starts with the softball tournament that has created some memorable action over the years. New to this year’s event will be a pickleball tournament, where duos can compete for the title. There will be food trucks, kids events, live music and the cake walk.

To sign up for the pickleball tournament, call or text Kenny Kline at 330-473-7598.

There will be a barbecued chicken dinner beginning Saturday at 3 p.m. The food trucks include Chick-fil-A, Smokin’ Chippers, Byler’s BBQ, Tasty Traveler, RL Concessions and Sweet Treats.

“There’s so much to do and see, but the one thing that always makes this weekend so wonderful is the people who come and enjoy the atmosphere and reminisce,” Miller said.

To enter the 50/50, purchase raffle tickets or find more information surrounding the event, visit www.visitwinesburgohio.com.