Christmas throughout the Ohio Valley
Looking back at some special 2024 holiday memories ...
STEUBENVILLE — There were numerous events held throughout the Ohio Valley this Christmas season, with all types of celebrations and parades, all sharing a common theme.
From the opening of the Nutcracker Village and Christmas at the Fort to the city’s annual Christmas parade, to the Christmas in the Park event at Beatty Park and a drive-through light display in Richmond, there has certainly been a lot going on to keep area residents busy during the last month.
Whether it was the Toronto Christmas parade that was sponsored by the group Focus in Toronto, or the live nativity telling of the Christmas story amidst a newly-completed city mural at the Promise of Victory Church of God, on Wells Street in Weirton, photographs captured memorable moments along the way.
The pictures on this page and on Page 6B were taken by staff members of the Herald-Star and The Weirton Daily Times or were contributed by organizations, nonprofits, local businesses or community residents hoping to share with others their way of celebrating the holiday season.
They all captured some of the moments that have made the region’s holiday season special.
- LETTER TO SANTA — Six-year-old Hudson Harris was among the many children who stopped to write Santa Claus a brief letter inside the lobby of the Steubenville Visitors Center at Historic Fort Steuben. The display was part of the Christmas at the Fort event. — Christopher Dacanay
- A ONE-HORSE OPEN SLEIGH — The volunteer group Focus in Toronto offered truck-drawn wagon tours to residents to see the Gem City neighborhoods decorated in Christmas lights. Teaming with Hike Toronto, the group started with sleigh rides during the Christmas Light-up Experience, held by Inspire Toronto on Nov. 30. — Warren Scott
- A ONE-HORSE OPEN SLEIGH — The volunteer group Focus in Toronto offered truck-drawn wagon tours to residents to see the Gem City neighborhoods decorated in Christmas lights. Teaming with Hike Toronto, the group started with sleigh rides during the Christmas Light-up Experience, held by Inspire Toronto on Nov. 30. — Christopher Dacanay
- A WEIRTON CHRISTMAS — Weirton’s holiday season began with its annual Christmas parade Nov. 30. “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” was the theme. A selection of Christmas classics and a rendition of “Happy Birthday” to Jesus was showcased. The evening included a fireworks display that lit up the sky. — Craig Howell
- HERE COMES SANTA CLAUS — Joe VerStraten Jr., along with his wife, Molly, portrayed Santa and Mrs. Claus during this year’s Christmas in the Park event at Beatty Park on Dec. 7. Those attending the annual holiday celebration stopped to visit the couple, letting him know what they would like for Christmas. Among those visiting were the Rosa family, including Victoria, her husband Mateus, and children Hunter and Gabriela. — Contributed
- WELLSBURG PARADE — A ribbon-cutting ceremony kicked off this year’s Christmas parade in Wellsburg. Members of the Brooke High School Dance Team, along with sponsors of the Wellsburg Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade, joined the event’s coordinator, Eric Fithyan and the parade’s marshal, Tammy Hornick, to begin the Nov. 29 event. The procession went down Charles Street and included a number of participants, including bands, floats and area businesses. — Warren Scott
- VISIT WITH SANTA — During the city’s Lights Up the Night event on Nov. 29, children from throughout Steubenville stopped to visit with Santa Claus, making the most of their opportunity to speak with the man from the North Pole. Santa’s visitors included, from top to bottom, Brooklyn Pickens, Everlee Ainsworth and Elaina Ainsworth, whose visit was made possible by Chelsey Ainsworth. — Christopher Dacanay
- BETHANY CHOIR PERFORMS — Various student organizations and academic departments at Bethany College created an assortment of Christmas trees and wreaths for a public auction Dec. 9. The event raised $4,330 for Bernie’s Kids, a Brooke County toy drive begun by the late Brooke County Sheriff Bernie Kazienko, and carried on by sheriff’s deputies and volunteers. Hosted by Vice President and Dean of Students Jerry Stebbins, the event included music by the Bethany College Choir. — Contributed
- WELLSBURG CHRISTMAS RUN — Twenty-five runners and walkers braved frigid temperatures to participate in the Wellsburg Chamber of Commerce’s Colors of Christmas 5K Run Nov. 30. Participants sped through a barrage of colorful confetti, racing to be top finishers. Top male runners were Kreg Robinson, first place; Jason Knight, second; and John Davis, third. Top female runners were Diane Raible, first; Kassidy Mayernik, second; and Christina Larkins, third. Top male walkers included Carl Kondrach, first; Christopher Fox, second; and Blake Headon, third. Top female walkers were Lisa Clark, first; Susie Hinerman, second; and Erika Oliver, third. Those taking part ranged in age from 20 to 74. — Warren Scott
- TORONTO LIGHT-UP CHOIR — Cast members of Toronto High School’s winter production “Beetlejuice,” sang Christmas carols at Inspire Toronto’s Christmas Lightup Experience Nov. 30. The event included assorted vendors, sales and open houses at local businesses, live entertainment and activities for children. — Warren Scott