Recent Stories

Festival

April 30, 2019

Festival Fireworks Fundraiser: Custom Logo Apparel Available, In Person Donation Day Set

Donations have started rolling into the Save the Ellwood City Fireworks fundraiser. Eric Rayner, the 26-year-old Ellport man who is leading the fundraising effort, said that as of April 30, donations total nearly $3,000 of the $5,000 needed to save the fireworks. The most recent donation was a $1,000 donation from the Ellwood City Police Department officers. “I’m overwhelmed by the amount of support we’ve gained in just the few days we’ve been accepting donations!” Rayner said. “Our community has really stepped up and put their money where their mouth is. I’m strongly encouraged that we will raise above and…

April 9, 2019

Ellwood City School Board Expresses Disappointment Over Fireworks; Discusses School Start Times, Fields

The Ellwood City Area School District Board addressed the public on Monday night regarding blame placed on them by the Festival Committee for the cancelation of the Festival’s traditional fireworks display. The school board expressed disappointment in the Festival Committee’s decision to cut the fireworks, and Board President Jennifer Tomon said the move is simply political. “Local politics at its worst … that’s how I’ve seen the nine hard working people at this table and the EC football boosters, who I might remind everyone, are all volunteers, characterized,” Tomon said. “I would argue local politics at its worst would be…

January 4, 2018

350 May Toast the Town at 2nd Winter Wine and Brew Fest

A crowd of up to 350 is expected at the second Winter Wine and Brew Fest, which will feature the selections of nearly 18 vendors, a table-visiting magician, tantalizing finger foods and socializing to the backdrop of constant music, said Brad Ovial, president of Ellwood City Revitalization. “All for $20,” he said of advance ticket sales. Another $20 will provide guests a white auction chance to win a $500 gun from Duke’s Sports Shop, New Castle, said Raymond Santillo, executive director of the Ellwood City Area Chamber of Commerce. Those who purchase tickets at the door of the Sons of…

July 3, 2017

PHOTOS: 2017 Ellwood City Festival

The annual Ellwood City Arts, Crafts & Food Festival took place this past weekend and those exhibiting and attending enjoyed beautiful weather and included a wide variety of activities, performances and vendors for everyone in the Ellwood City community to enjoy! In the annual 10k race, which took place Saturday morning, Ellwoodian Doug Petrik was victorious yet again. The Festival Committee is all volunteer and the Committee is a non-profit organization, solely in existence as the driving force to make the Festival happen! All Festival committee members donate their time to make the Festival possible year after year. More information…

May 2, 2017

Former Treasurer Prohibited from Attending Ellwood City Arts and Crafts Festival

Suzanne Darlen Bleakney, 50, of Ellwood City, the previous Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Food, and Entertainment Festival treasurer accused of theft, has now pleaded guilty Friday to one count of theft. Bleakney was facing charges of theft by unlawful taking and theft by failure to make required disposition of funds received after supposedly stealing upwards of $1650.00 from the festival bank account during her time working as the treasurer. Lawrence County Common Pleas Judge J. Craig Cox sentenced her to 18 months of probation and 20 hours of community service. She is also ordered to repay the $1,650 of misappropriated…

July 7, 2016

Ellwood Commends Softball Team

On Saturday during the festival, Ellwood City recognized the achievements of the Lincoln High School Varsity Softball team. Mayor Anthony J. Court presented the team and head coach Gary Rozanski with a commendation. The girls team claimed the section and WPIAL titles, advanced to the second round of playoffs, and remained undefeated until their last game. “The performance and accomplishment from the entire team and coaching staff have been superlative and are to be commended,” Court said. Photo submitted.

July 6, 2016

Photos: Ellwood City 36th Annual Festival

The 36th annual Ellwood City festival was held over the weekend of July 2-3. The festival featured over 30 new vendors and an expanded lineup of local entertainment.        

July 1, 2016

Opinion: Festival!

It’s the most exciting time of the year in Ellwood City! The time that Ewing Park gets filled with tents, trailers, humans and food. Everybody in the Ellwood area should go to the festival! We should all unabashedly promote the festival. This year’s festival is under almost entirely new leadership, and they’ve done a wonderful job marketing and organizing. Thank you and congratulations to chairperson Becky Guisler and the festival committee consisting of Beth Kingston (Treasurer), Raylene Boots (Secretary & Food), Renee Radevski (Crafts), Nikki Mars (Crafts), Vic Rangel (Entertainment), Paul Dici (Food), Sam Pawlowski (Grounds), Mike Sinclair (Parking) Ralph…

July 1, 2016

Festival Vendor List

This year’s festival features over 30 new vendors, and the vendor spots have been sold out for the first time in several years. The following is a complete list of vendors. Company First Name Last Name Sells Address New? 1 2 3 Liberty Grange #1780 David Black fried rice, gen TSO, Sweet & Sour, Egg Rolls, Chicken on Stick x 4 The Bavarian Nut Company Dan Desrosiers Cinnamon Glazed nuts, spicy nuts, honey nuts, trail mix Buffalo, NY x 5 Alicia’s Kitchen Goodies ice cream, 6 International Grill Company Hasson Abbassy x 7 Courtyard Catering Gene Hamrock hot & sweet…

June 30, 2016

Festival Band Previews: Nickel Plated Revolver and Brok’n Pic Band

The 2016 Ellwood Festival will emphasize the entertainment part of Arts, Crafts, Food and Entertainment at an unprecedented level. All of Friday is dedicated to showcasing Ellwood-based bands and Saturday and Sunday will see additional local entertainment. The previews will be updated throughout the week to highlight different bands. All information taken from interviews or social media. All photos used with permission of the band. Friday, July 1- Community Day 12:30 p.m. Wine & Spirit Perennial festival performers Wine & Spirit will open the musical acts on Friday. “I’ve lost count of how many times we’ve played at the festival,”…