WEIRTON — The City of Weirton is launching its own series of concerts and events, to take place on Friday nights during the summer.

As part of Monday’s meeting, Weirton Council authorized a contribution of $25,000 to the Weirton Festival Committee “for events at the Weirton Event Center.”

Ward 4 Councilman Rick Stead previously indicated the idea came about after the Top of West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau opted to change the format of its summer events from a weekly concert series held most Friday to the monthly “Second Saturdays” events, featuring live music, food trucks, farmer markets, and more.

“We’re going to try to have some Friday events,” explained City Manager Mike Adams near the end of Monday’s meeting, applauding Stead for heading up the proposal.

The resolution notes “The Common Council of the City of Weirton recognizes how many local residents, especially those living downtown, enjoy the Friday night concerts and accordingly, wish to continue this community event.”

It was noted funding for the events was coming to funds provided to the city as part of a legal settlement through the West Virginia Attorney General’s Office with Pfizer over the alleged delay by the pharmaceutical company in introducing a generic form of cholesterol-fighting drug Lipitor.

While a full listing of events has not yet been released, a post on the City of Weirton’s official Facebook page June 3 announced a performance by The Fantasy’s for this Friday, at the Event Center, with gates opening at 6 p.m.

For his part Monday, Stead offered his appreciation to the other members of city council, as well as Dean Harris, the Weirton Board of Parks and Recreation, and other city employees for their support, and especially to Assistant City Manager DeeAnn Pulliam and Administrative Assistant to the Mayor Brandy Brock.

“They did a lot to make it happen,” Stead said. “Hopefully, we can keep this momentum going forward.”