Jackson Girimonti watches his cotton candy being made during Saxonburg’s Winter Festival. Butler Eagle File Photo

Saxonburg’s Main Street will play host to a series of events, parades, and mingles throughout the year, and the fun festivities start on Saturday, Feb. 28, with the fourth annual Winter Festival.

Organized by the Saxonburg Area Business Association and the Little Shops of Saxonburg, the Winter Festival will feature no less than 53 food and craft vendors along the borough’s Main Street, including several food trucks.

Attendees will hear live music performed in front of the South Butler Community Library by Matt Goodlin, Michael Christopher Band and Beyond the Ears.

Younger attendees will have a chance to have their photos taken with Disney princesses in front of the Saxonburg Memorial Presbyterian Church between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The Winter Festival will also feature a petting zoo at the Heritage Winery, “story time” with new mayor Dave Johnston at Kiki & Lolo’s Ice Cream, a soup sale in the basement of the Memorial Church, and free horse and carriage rides.

Another activity available for youths is “Gellyball,” a virtual carnival-style shooting game which will be placed near the library.

According to event organizer Nancy Alberth, the Winter Festival will take place — rain, snow or shine.

Doreen Blackburn of Blackburn Farm drives a horse-drawn carriage down Main Street during Saxonburg’s Winter Festival in 2021. Butler Eagle File Photo

Quinn Girimonti and Jackson Girimonti pet goats during Saxonburg’s Winter Festival on Main Street in 2024. Butler Eagle File Photo