IT’S LIT — Fireworks erupted in the sky behind the just-lit tree in Fort Steuben Park, during Friday’s Steubenville Lights up the Night event and the grand opening of Christmas at the Fort. -- Christopher Dacanay

STEUBENVILLE — Frigid weather couldn’t put a stop to Steubenville Lights up the Night, which saw crowds swarm Historic Fort Steuben to see fireworks and enjoy the opening of Christmas at the Fort, Friday.

Live music, dancing, kids’ activities, artisan vendors and more surrounded Steubenville’s annual light-up night. The evening also marked the grand opening of this year’s Christmas at the Fort and Holiday Market, a tradition now in its 10th year.

The market in Fort Steuben Park will be open through Dec. 29 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Additional days and hours are by vendor choice through Dec. 22.

Steubenville Mayor Jerry Barilla told the crowd he was “amazed” at how many individuals came for the opening in spite of the cold. He also noted that “Nothing happens without people” and recognized staff, volunteers and sponsors who made the night possible.

Attendees also heard from Matt Grimshaw, president of Trinity Health System — Christmas at the Fort’s title sponsor — who called Christmas activities in Steubenville “one of the biggest tourist events in the Ohio Valley, ever.”

The Rev. Jason Elliott of First Westminster Presbyterian Church in Steubenville offered a blessing over the fort’s Christmas trees, saying, “Let us remember that the evergreen branches represent he everlasting life that you (God) give us. We pray for your blessing to be upon these grounds, the Historic Fort Steuben. Bless our city and the surrounding communities, and may your blessings upon all who worked so hard to prepare for this night.”

Joe Wallace, director of community relations and head men’s basketball coach for Franciscan University of Steubenville, was joined by several players and assistant coaches to lead the countdown, after which the tree was lit and fireworks filled the night sky.

Separately, Historic Fort Steuben Assistant Director Judy Bratten noted that Christmas at the Fort and the Steubenville Nutcracker Village — also in its 10th year — have both greatly expanded over the years. She recalled the fort celebration’s humble beginnings with a meager tree and string lights. The fort now boasts a 32-foot-tall tree, sponsored by Franciscan University.

New this year is a 30-foot-by-60-foot “Christmas Pavilion” tent, sponsored by Cedar One Group. In addition to allowing attendees to warm themselves, the tent will host a number of scheduled events throughout the fort’s Christmas season, including story time with librarians form the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County on Saturdays at 2 p.m.

Also new is the addition of three holiday market chalets, bringing the total to 18. One of the new chalets was constructed by the Steubenville High School carpentry class.

The chalets are home to the market’s 18 artisan vendors, selling various treats, caffeinated drinks, toys and festive gifts. Additional vendors are located inside the Christmas Pavilion, such as Made by You, which sells homemade decoupage gifts. Made by You’s owner, Sandra Chmelovski, said Christmas at the Fort has “really grown” and is a “wonderful” asset for the community.

“The only thing is it gets cold, but otherwise it’s wonderful,” she said. “It’s made the whole town come alive at Christmas.”

Outside, attendees can walk through lighted hoops — the Canopy of Lights — over the park’s walkways, provided by M&M Hardware. Spread throughout the area are numerous statues and displays that offer photo opportunities for passersby of all ages.

For kids in particular, the fort’s land office has a Kids Zone, sponsored by Valerie and Vance Vukelic, with additional decorations and photo-ops.

A novel sight is the German Christmas Pyramid, presented by First Westminster Presbyterian Church, directly outside the Steubenville Visitor Center. The imposing wooden pyramid contains German decorative Christmas items.

Inside the center are several activities: Kids could pen and mail letters to Santa Claus, the holiday gift shop was open and bustling and visitors could view or purchase original, local art at the Steubenville Art Association’s Holiday Art Show.

Another indoor spectacle was the “Memories of Christmas Past” toy collection. In its sixth year on display at the fort, the collection features classic toys from the 1940s through the early 1960s.

“This is sort of the display where grandparents come in and try to explain: ‘We didn’t have batteries. We didn’t have all those fancy things. And we still had fun,'” said Marilyn Grimes, who owns the collection with her husband, Ken Grimes.

The night also featured holiday tunes performed by the Honky-Tonk Sweethearts and dance routines from students at Brenda Casey Dance Studio in Wintersville.

John Zatezalo was accompanying his granddaughter, Talia Lamone, 9, who danced in the show, which took place on the stage at the Louis and Sandra Berkman Amphitheater. Zatezalo said that downtown Steubenville was essentially a “ghost town” before revitalization efforts like Christmas at the Fort helped prop it up.

“It’s great. You’d be surprised, even with how cold it is, how many people come out,” he said.

Additionally, Christmas at the Fort will feature Holly Trolly Rides on Saturdays and Sundays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and a Mousetrap Puppet Show on Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 14, and 15.