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Weirton looking for cutest Christmas pet

By CRAIG HOWELL 2 min read
PET CONTEST — As part of plans for this year’s Christmas on Main Street, the Weirton Festival Committee has launched the Cutest Christmas Pet Photo Contest. Discussing this year’s contest are, from left, Weirton Assistant City Manager DeeAnn Pulliam; James Belon, store manager for Pet Supplies Plus, one of the contest’s sponsors; and Weirton Mayor Harold “Bubba” Miller. -- Craig Howell

WEIRTON -- For many, October is a time of ghosts and ghouls, but for some Weirton officials it's time to turn their attention toward the Christmas season.

The Weirton Festival Committee is making plans for this year's Christmas on Main Street festivities, set to take place Nov. 18 with an afternoon full of activities in the city's downtown.

As part of preparations, organizers have announced the launch of this year's Cutest Christmas Pet Photo Contest.

The contest, which is open to "anyone from anywhere," kicked off this week and will continue through Nov. 3.

"We've brought it back from last year," explained Assistant City Manager DeeAnn Pulliam, noting the contest received a great deal of attention from the community.

Those interested in registering are asked to go to www.gogophotcontest.com/cutestchristmaspetphotocontestweirton and following the directions to enter. There is a $10 fee to enter a photo, which gives 10 votes. Additional votes have a $1 per vote fee.

Only online entries are being accepted, and organizers ask that photos have a Christmas theme.

Sponsors for the contest include Pet Supplies Plus, Gurrera Law Offices PLLC, Walmart Store 1948, Weirton Kroger and Outback Steakhouse.

James Belon, store manager for the new Pet Supplies Plus in Weirton, noted the enthusiasm the store already has received from the Weirton community, adding the store staff is glad to be able to support the contest.

"We're happy to be a part of it," he said.

The top three pets, based on the number of votes received, will receive prize packages worth a total of $2,500.

Prize packages include a ribbon and a selection of gift cards provided by the sponsors, with first place valued at $1,150, second place at $675 and third place also at $675.

Christmas on Main Street will take place from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Nov. 18, and will include food trucks, vendors, ice skating, train rides, appearances from Santa and Mrs. Claus and other activities.

"They're going to be free for the community," Pulliam said.

Starting at /week.