Annual Follansbee event ushering in the Christmas season

FOLLANSBEE - Christmastime is fast approaching, especially in Follansbee where plans are coming together for the annual Christmas in the Park.

This year’s festivities are set for Oct. 10-11 at Follansbee Park, where dozens of vendor booths will be set up, bringing an early taste of the holiday season to the area.

"This is our 24th year," event Co-chairman Bill Secrist explained.

Secrist and Stacey Williams lead a committee of volunteers in putting together the event each year.

Visitors to the park will be able to peruse the various food and craft vendors, providing a chance to do some early holiday shopping or pick up a few items for themselves, with holiday music played by a disc jockey throughout the festivities.

Lights often are strung throughout the festival site, and there may be a few special guests making an appearance.

"It’s a good thing to keep the community together," Secrist said.

The festival will be open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Oct. 10 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oct. 11.

Christmas in the Park also is about giving, with proceeds going to benefit the Follansbee REACH food pantry program, as well as youth from the community.

To reinforce the spirit of the holidays and community, nutcrackers from the Steubenville Nutcracker Village will, once again, be on display throughout the event, through the support of Nelson Fine Arts and Gifts.

"It’s our 11th year in business and sixth year partnering with Follansbee," owner Mark Nelson said, praising the efforts of the community volunteers.

There is still time to participate as a vendor, with those interested asked to call (304) 527-0177, leaving a message with your name and number.