CONTEST RETURNS — The Weirton Festival Committee is preparing for the third-annual Gingerbread House Contest, to be featured during Christmas on Main Street. Discussing this year’s contest are committee members DeeAnn Pulliam and Coty Shingle. -- Craig Howell

WEIRTON — City officials are encouraging area residents to blend their building and dessert talents while they usher in the holiday season.

The Weirton Festival Committee will, for the third year, present a Gingerbread House Contest as part of this year’s Christmas on Main Street festivities, with committee members encouraging residents to snap up the opportunity to enter.

“Last year, we had over 20 entries,” said Assistant City Manager DeeAnn Pulliam, noting some of those entries were entirely homemade, and all offered varieties of theme and creativity.

The contest is open to all area residents, and there is no charge to participate. Those interested may visit the Weirton’s Christmas on Main Street page on Facebook for information, as well as to fill out an entry form. The deadline to enter is Nov. 15.

“There are six categories,” Pulliam said.

Categories for this year’s contest are: Original, meaning no pre-made gingerbread kits can be used, only homemade gingerbread; Group Effort Youth; Group Effort Adult; Adult, for those 18 years and older; Youth, for those aged 10 to 17; and the People’s Choice category, which Pulliam explained was added in response to requests from residents.

“Attendees of Christmas on Main Street wanted to vote,” she said. “They’ll get a ticket and can pick their favorite.”

She noted, though, entries already selected by judges to win another category cannot win the People’s Choice award.

Entries will then be put on display in the Weirton Room of the Millsop Community Center and be visible during Christmas on Main Street, scheduled for Nov. 23.

“We’re excited to host this event,” explained Parks Executive Director Coty Shingle. “It allows us to be a part of a great holiday activity, and showcase this facility which is a cornerstone of the community.”

Sponsors for this year’s contest are Taylor and Makricostas PLLC, Gus’s Goodies, Fiesta Tableware Co., Theo Yianni’s, DeFelice Bros. Pizza, Sheetz, Fairfield Inn by Marriott, Primanti Bros., Papa John’s Pizza and Sweet Temptations Pastry Shop.

Winners in each category will receive a prize package made possible through the sponsors.

For information, email the Festival Committee at weirtonfestivalcommittee@gmail.com.