MAKING PLANS — The Weirton Festival Committee is getting ready for the holiday season, with the launch of the fourth-annual Christmas on Main Street Gingerbread House Contest, with entries accepted through Nov. 14. Discussing the contest are, from left, Parks Director Coty Shingle; Brandy Brock, executive assistant to the mayor; and Assistant City Manager DeeAnn Pulliam. -- Craig Howell

WEIRTON — Organizers of some of the Christmas festivities in Weirton are, once again, asking area residents to bring some flavor for the celebrations.

Weirton’s Christmas on Main Street Gingerbread House Contest is making its return, under the guidance of the Weirton Festival Committee and the Weirton Board of Parks and Recreation.

“This is our fourth-annual contest,” noted Assistant City Manager DeeAnn Pulliam. “We’re really excited.”

This year’s competition will feature four categories — Original, featuring all homemade materials; Group Effort Youth; Group Effort Adult; and People’s Choice — and is free to enter.

Entries are being accepted, with a final deadline to take part in the contest of Nov. 14.

Pulliam noted in years past, more than 20 entries have been received for the contest, and organizers are hoping to see even more participation this year with the more streamlined format.

“It’s a fun way to get the community involved,” Pulliam said.

Entries will be put on display in the Weirton Room of the Millsop Community Center as part of this year’s Christmas on Main Street, to be held Nov. 22.

Parks Director Coty Shingle said the festivities are “loads of fun,” as they help to usher in the holiday season for the Upper Ohio Valley.

“We are always proud to say Christmas comes first to Main Street in Weirton,” Shingle said.

Prize packages for the winner of each category have been made possible through the support of Theo Yianni’s, DeFelice Bros. Pizza, Sweet Temptations, Fiesta, Sheetz, Primanti Bros., Papa John’s, Taylor and Makricostas and Gus’s Goodies.

“We’re so grateful to our businesses who have donated,” Pulliam said.

For information about the contest, and how to enter, visit the Weirton Christmas on Main Street Facebook page.