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STEUBENVILLE -- A performance by the Brenda Casey Dance Center, a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, the blessing of the 30-foot Christmas tree, lights, music and fireworks are all part of 2023 Steubenville Lights Up the Night event, set for Tuesday in Fort Steuben Park, 120 S. Third St.
The event kicks off the holiday season in the community and the opening of the Steubenville Nutcracker Village, now in its ninth year. Organizers expect thousands of people to attend and enjoy the many activities that will be offered through the new year.
"It's so rewarding to watch this event grow and attract people from all over the area," explained Judy Bratten of Historic Fort Steuben and the Steubenville Visitor Center.
The Visitor Center has organized the holiday lighting event for more than 30 years.
"The Steubenville Cultural Trust will have all of its nutcrackers placed around the historic downtown and in Fort Steuben Park. The Holiday Market around the tree will open around 3 p.m. Food trucks will be stationed on South Third Street. At 5:30 p.m., the Brenda Casey Dance Studio will put on a show in the Berkman Amphitheater, while Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be welcoming children by the tree," Bratten explained,
She added that the event will be blessed by Bishop Paul Bradley, apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Steubenville, along with other faith leaders from the community. And it all leads up to the countdown for the light-up and the fireworks display
Bratten said that the Jefferson County commissioners have arranged for the Courthouse Light Show to be included again this year, a popular addition to the festivities.
"The celebration continues after the fireworks with a performance by the Honky Tonk Sweethearts in the park, while up on Fourth Street there will be entertainment with the Ron Retzer Trio, a Gluhwein Garden and the unveiling of five new nutcrackers," Bratten added.
Entertainment for the evening is sponsored in part by the Center of Music and Art, while the Kloska/Brogan family and Mayor Jerry Barilla will sponsor the fireworks.
"This is a marvelous way to begin the season, but there's more to come on the weekends with nutcracker events, hayrides, the drum line show, trolley rides, puppet shows, concerts and the children's lantern parade. And don't forget the Sights and Sounds of Christmas Parade at noon on Dec. 2," Bratten added. "There are many organizations and businesses providing special events for the holiday -- it's become something the entire community has taken to heart."
Schedules for Steubenville's holiday events can be found at SteubenvilleNutcrackerVillage.com and VisitSteubenville.com.