TRADITIONAL DANCE — The Grecian Odyssey Dancers from East Pittsburgh were among those demonstrating a range of dances from their cultures during Saturday’s Festival of Nations. -- Craig Howell

WEIRTON — Area residents had an opportunity to travel the world Saturday, sampling the music, food, and cultures from a dozen nationalities.

The Festival of Nations drew crowds to the Millsop Community Center for a day-long celebration of the melting pot of the Ohio Valley

“I welcome all of you to the Festival of Nations 2026,” J.K. Luthra, festival chair, said in his opening remarks.

Started in 2009 by volunteers with the Weirton Area Museum and Cultural Center, the modern version of the Festival of Nations was organized as a way to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of Weirton Steel Corp. It took inspiration from a similar celebration running from 1934 to 1944, which included a “Parade of Nations,” music and dancing representative of the ethnicities who came to the young Weirton community, as well as games and other entertainment.

It took a multi-year hiatus following the COVID pandemic, but returned last year.

HISTORICAL INFORMATION — The gym floor of the Millsop Community Center included several informational booths, including one showcasing items from the American Frontier. -- Craig Howell

Mayor Dean Harris offered a proclamation in recognition of the work going into the festival.

“Being born and raised in Weirton from a young age, I learned to appreciate the diversity of our community,” Harris said, noting he sees the festival as a sign of the resilience and adaptability of the Weirton community.

Luthra also offered his thanks to the 17 members of the festival committee, noting the months of work in putting the event together.

“Our guiding force is still the same,” Luthra said, noting the focus of the festival in preserving culture and celebrating diversity in the community. “We live and breathe as one large family.”

Among those taking the stage Saturday were the Weir High Concert Band, Sanskruti School of Indian Dance and Music, bagpiper Betsy Bethel-McFarland, Grecian Odyssey Dancers of the Presentation of Christ Greek Orthodox Church in East Pittsburgh, Sheena Chopra, Tom and Patty Zielinsky, Yanlai Dance Academy, DnB Magnets, Flokloric Dance Ensemble, Filipino American Association of Pittsburgh, Sycamore Folk Dancers, Le Sorelle DiBaccco, Nanadanik, Japanese Taiko Drum Performance, Siyona Pandey-Sitar and Weirton Bando.

A TASTE OF SCOTLAND — Betsy Bethel-McFarland, of Martins Ferry, performed several selections on the bagpipes as part of Saturday’s Festival of Nations in Weirton. -- Craig Howell

Food was available to represent the cuisines of the United States, Greece, India, Italy, Philippines, as well as African American cultures, while a variety of informational tables were spread across the gym floor.

Saturday’s event also marked the end of a chapter for the long-standing festival, as Luthra, who has served as the festival chair for much of its 13 years, announced he would be stepping down from the role.

A familiar face will be taking over the reins, though, as DeeAnn Pulliam, who has been volunteering with the festival committee in recent years and works as the City of Weirton’s assistant city manager, has been named the new festival chair.

“I’m very honored to carry on the position of chair,” Pulliam said. “We will continue to make this festival great.”

Major sponsors for Saturday’s Festival of Nations were WVU Medicine Weirton Medical Center and WTOV-TV, with Platinum sponsors Steel City Auto, Hancock County Savings Bank, In Memory of Dr. Gurdev Purewal, Drs. J.K. and Dolly Luthra and family, Linglan Liu, City of Weirton Mayor, Ward 1 Councilman Tim Connell, Weirton Medical Staff.

Gold sponsors were Dr. Cherian and Mrs. Mariamma John, Ward 6 Ccouncilman Anthony Rocchio, Dr. Edward Jagela, Dr. Jasbir and Mrs. Vickie Makar, Dr. Hardev and Mrs. Jasvinder Parihar, Lauttamus Communications, Linda Heilman, R.E. Saxon Jeweler, Starvaggi Industries, Mr. Suhender and Mrs. Surinder Ajmani, Rotary Club of Weirton Heights.

Silver sponsors were All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, Ed Giacchino, Howard Hanna Mortimer Realty, James White Construction, Harish C. Saluja, Maureen Kerr, Amartya, Jaya, Amaya, Ilan, Arjan and Shyam; Rinaldo and Melissa Veltri, and Weirton Wine and Beverage Merchants of West Virginia.