CLASSIC CHRISTMAS – The Victorian Carolers provided some traditional holiday entertainment, singing a variety of classic selections.
— Craig Howell
WEIRTON — The hustle and bustle of the holidays spread through the city’s downtown Saturday as Christmas arrived on Main Street.
For the fourth year, the community kicked off the holiday festivities with Christmas on Main Street, featuring close to 50 vendors set up near the Millsop Community Center, along with an afternoon of live entertainment, games, food and other attractions.
“Weirton is a special town. West Virginia is a special place,” said Mayor Harold “Bubba” Miller, while presiding over the tree lighting which helped to cap off the celebration.
The event was organized by the Weirton Festival Committee, with support from 33 area sponsors. Officials estimated there were between 7,000 and 8,000 visitors to Main Street throughout the afternoon.
“This event began in the north end,” explained Assistant City Manager DeeAnn Pulliam, referring to a smaller celebration which ran for several years on the corner of Main Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. “It has grown to thousands of people.”
A LITTLE SPICE – Entries in this year’s Gingerbread House contest were on display in the Weirton Room of the Millsop Community Center. — Craig Howell
Major sponsors were Cleveland Cliffs, Nick’s Auto, Form Energy and Weirton Medical Center.
Entertainment included performances by the Special Olympics Cheer Team, Victorian Carolers, Casey Sisters Dance Academy, Dance by Hillary, Déjà vu and Two Friends Trio, Weirton Christian Center Signs of Hope and the St. Paul Church Choir.
Within the Millsop Community Center, residents could get their faces painted and enjoy some inflatable attractions, take part in a silent auction, view the six entries of this year’s Christmas tree contest and peruse the participants of the Gingerbread House contest.
Train rides were offered along Main Street, members of the city’s police and fire departments were stationed to collect food and toy donations which will benefit the Salvation Army, ice skating, LED mini golf, a mechanical reindeer and more were among the attractions on hand.
At the Top of West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau and Summit Art Gallery, the Top of West Virginia Arts Council featured the work of local artists with an art market and activities for children such as crafting a marbled ornament, coloring a gingerbread character and making bracelets.
WINTER FUN – Residents skated around a synthetic ice rink set up in front of the Millsop Community Center. — Craig Howell
“We’ve had a lot of traffic,” said Arts Council member Molly Mossor, who explained they had offered similar activities for the Fourth of July.
The day concluded with the lighting of the community Christmas tree, donated by Robert and Patty Capito, in front of the community center, and a fireworks show sponsored by Weirton Council and viewable from much of downtown.
GETTING CRAFTY – The Top of West Virginia Arts Council offered a variety of craft activities for local youth visiting Christmas on Main Street Saturday. — Craig Howell
LET THERE BE LIGHT – Residents gathered in front of the Millsop Community Center Saturday to view the lighting of the community Christmas tree and a fireworks display. — Craig Howell
HOLLY JOLLY – Santa and Mrs. Claus walked around Main Street, greeting children throughout the afternoon. — Craig Howell
CHOO CHOO – Sponsored by Nick’s Auto, this train was available for rides up and down Main Street. — Craig Howell
O TANNENBAUM – Six trees have been set up at the Millsop Community Center as part of this year’s Christmas tree contest. — Craig Howell
