Winesburg Fall Gathering

While Winesburg, Ohio may have been around as a town since its inception in 1829, the community will be celebrating a 30-year anniversary this fall when the 30th annual Winesburg Annual 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. Filled with a host of terrific prizes, 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 also buy raffle tickets online at: www.visitwinesburgohio.com. Tickets are $20 apiece, 20 tickets for $250 or a 50-pack of tickets for $500.Raffle prizes include a trained pony and cart, an e-bike, softball bats, Breville coffee machine, a croquet set, a trip. For two to Florida on Pioneer Trails, Stone Cottage Inn two-night stay, a Yeti cooler filled with delicious Winesburg Meats products and a $500 gift card to Miller Hardware, a $200 gift card to Premier Outdoors and a kid’s hoverboard.The Winesburg Community Business Association gathers donations throughout the year, aside from our Annual Fall Gathering, but this event is the culmination of the fundraising process.

The annual Fall Gathering & Benefit Auction is at the heart of that effort, and financially supports individuals and families within our community who are in need. Great items for a great cause make this event one of Winesburg’s finest and one not to be missed.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 great items, among them a 40-by-60-foot building, outdoor poly furniture, a Kubota tractor LX 2610 4WD, new Hopeview top buggy with bio 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 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday night, including Liberated, County Line, Country Road Ramblers and the Dave Keim Band.One huge 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 lively, humorous, evening of wacky fun.Bomgardner has been a favorite in Amish Country for years and hits the funny bone every time and will perform from 11-11:45 a.m. Saturday.

It all starts with the always popular 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 always enjoyable cake walk will return.To sign up for the pickleball tournament, call or text Kenny Kline at 330-473-7598There will be a barbecue 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, simply visit the website at: www.visitwinesburgohio.com.