A display showing some of the Teapot swag that will be available for purchase during Saturday, Aug. 10’s ninth annual Chester Teapot Day. Clockwise from bottom on top of the official Chester Teapot T-Shirt, pictured are a Teapot key chain, a Teapot coaster, a crocheted Teapot, and a display model of the 3D printed Chester teapot. While this display model is not for sale, smaller versions of this plastic teapot, meaning one cannot actually serve tea in it, are for sale at the event. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)

CHESTER — The city is holding its annual Teapot Day for the ninth time, and its mission is fairly simple.

In addition to gathering around the world’s largest teapot for four hours, attendees are helping to make sure that the teapot can continue to be a central fixture within this pottery-rich community.

The event is slated for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10 at the Chester Teapot, conveniently located near the Chester exit by the Jennings Randolph Bridge.

Sue Hineman, event organizer, explained this is the largest fundraiser benefiting the maintenance of the teapot.

As well as several dozen artisans an vendors selling their wares, there also will be music courtesy of DJ Dean Elliott and several live bands, Fiestaware, raffle baskets and even a 50/50 drawing.

“Babe” Devon’s teapot itself will be the site of concession sales, where attendees can purchase hotdogs, nachos, soda and other drinks out of its windows.

The 2024 Fiestaware ornament, which is lapis with white trim, as well as Teapot swag like T-shirts, keychains, coasters and the newest addition, the commemorative 3D printed plastic teapots, will be available for purchase.

Devon had built the Teapot in 1938 from a gigantic wooden hogshead Hires’ Root Beer barrel that he purchased in Pennsylvania. After locating it to Chester, he primarily used it as a concession stand of sorts, selling food and souvenirs outside its location near Devon’s pottery store on Carolina Avenue.

The Teapot changed hands twice after World War II, where the new owners sold pottery and gift items until being purchased by the C&P Telephone company and gifted to the city of Chester in the late 1980s.

The city then relocated it to its current location and repaired it, officially dedicating it in October 1990.

Decades later, Teapot Day was created as a solution as normal wear and tear had taken its toll on the Teapot, eventually necessitating over $15,000 worth of fundraising to complete the project.

All proceeds benefit the Teapot maintenance fund, which includes mowing as well as fresh coats of paint.

For more information regarding Chester Teapot Day, call Hineman at 330-843-3215.