A TOUGH DECISION — Judges for the cheesecake contest held during Wednesdays in Wintersville found it difficult to choose a winner. They were, from left: B.J. Pendleton, Mike DICarlo and Kristina Vodvarka, who was accompanied by her daughter, Gianna. A baking contest was included in each of the monthly street fairs, which wrapped for the season this week. -- Warren Scott

WINTERSVILLE — Wednesdays in Wintersville has wrapped for the season, but its organizers are looking ahead to a Christmas event and are already making plans for next year.

Joel John, who heads the volunteer group behind the monthly street fair, said a wrap-up event will be held at 7 p.m. today at Exquisite Creations by Joel to celebrate another year and ponder the next one.

Past, present and potential vendors for the event especially are encouraged to attend and share any ideas they may have, he said, adding all proceeds for the bar will go to next year’s festivals.

John took a break from overseeing the festivities to listen to pop and soul selections from various eras performed by the Nouveau Swing Quartet, one of many musical acts that have appeared in an outdoor lounge area behind his shop while the bartenders of the Knotty Pint Mobile Bar served up a variety of beverages.

“I think this has changed the whole atmosphere of the event,” he said of the area, noting it offers a place for attendees to sit down and relax.

A PLACE TO RELAX — Many attending Wednesdays in Wintersville this week sat back and listened to the sounds of the Nouveau Swing Quartet, one of many musical acts that has entertained visitors to the monthly street fair, which has wrapped for the season. -- Warren Scott

It was added this year to the event, which has changed in some ways since it was launched in 2021 but has always included vendors selling an assortment of hand-made items and other merchandise and several food trucks.

Parked in the front lot of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, they have offered this year pizza, seafood, hot dogs, tacos, ice cream and grilled cheese sandwiches with various ingredients.

Set up near them were local farmers and other vendors participating in the Gateway Farmers Market, which will continue from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. each Wednesday through October.

John expressed thanks to the church and to Wintersville Methodist Church, which has allowed its Center for Hope social hall and front lot to be used for the festival.

Members of the two churches also have been active participants, joining other groups in providing free hot dogs and other food for children or selling baked goods to support church projects.

Many children could be found Wednesday playing in the suds disbursed by a machine operated by staff with Screwy Louie’s, one of many attractions offered for children in the front lot.

Inside the hall was a display of unusual footwear, from dress shoes and heels to sneakers and boots.

Several of the shoes were a sparkly silver, blue or pink and the heels of one pair contained a mini aquarium with fake goldfish.

For the monthly displays, the Wednesdays in Wintersville Committee has invited area residents to lend various items, ranging from model trains to old wedding dresses.

John said to encourage more participation next year, the group is considering offering a prize to an item receiving the most votes from attendees.

He added there’s also talk of more contests for adults such as a hot dog-eating contest.

A regular feature of Wednesdays in Wintersville has been a baking contest in which participants were invited to enter a particular type of dish.

This week’s judges — B.J. Pendleton, Mike DiCarlo and Kristina Vodvarka — found it difficult to choose from three cheesecakes. They noted each included a unique, tasty ingredient.

Ultimately, they chose a blueberry cheesecake prepared by Erica Irvin as the winner, while the two other entries — a raspberry-white chocolate cheesecake made by Katherine Williams and a strawberry cheesecake made by Stella Hornyak — tied for second place.

Coordinated by Monica Pendleton of Cake Roll Creations, the contests usually tie in with a particular theme chosen for each month.

John said he and the committee have selected themes for next year.

He added they also plan to encourage all Wintersville business owners, not only those on Main Street, to have special sales or other attractions during the festival in keeping with its original goal of supporting the local economy.

Bob Coppa Jr., who coordinates the event’s car cruises, said they have gained more visibility since moving to the front lot of First National Bank, but he hopes to attract more car owners next year.

The group also is looking forward to its part in the Wintersville Winter Weekend, which includes a winter version of the festival and the Christmas parade organized by volunteers with the village government.

Set for Dec. 6, the festival again will be held inside the Center for Hope and include performances by local church choirs, an invitation to all attending to participate in a Christmas carol sing-along and a display of Nativities.

Last year’s display included about 30 versions of the birthplace of Christ of different materials and cultures.

“Out goal this year is to display 50 sets,” said John.

He added sponsors also will be sought for luminaria to be placed along Main Street while raising money for the T.E.A.R. Fund at Trinity Medical Center’s Teramana Cancer Center.

Last year, more than 300 of the bagged lights were sponsored, raising about $3,000 for the fund, which aids cancer patients with various expenses.

John said the success of Wednesdays in Wintersville can be attributed to many, including the vendors, food trucks and others who take part; local businesses and organizations that support it with donations and materials, Mayor Mike Petrella and Wintersville Council and other village officials and the Wintersville Police Department, whose officers stop traffic for pedestrians.

While undergoing some changes in its five years, the festival has received overall high marks from many attendees.

Bob Coppa Sr. said of it, “It’s really nice. You run into a lot of people. And they have a lot to offer.”