LIGHTING THE NIGHT — Christmas on Main Street was capped off Saturday with the official lighting of the community Christmas tree in front of the Millsop Community Center. -- Craig Howell

WEIRTON — The community welcomed the holiday season with live entertainment, vendors, and more, all culminating with the lighting of Weirton’s Christmas tree.

Christmas on Main Street returned for its sixth year Saturday, with officials noting it as a sign of the season and the strength of the Weirton community.

“We want to thank you all for being here, remembering that Christmas comes first on Main Street here in Weirton,” said Coty Shingle, executive director of the city’s parks department who served as master of ceremonies throughout the afternoon.

Organized through the Weirton Festival Committee, under the auspices of the Weirton Board of Parks and Recreation, the festivities saw the portion of the city’s Main Street near the Millsop Community Center lined with food, art and craft vendors, along with representatives of local businesses and civic organizations.

Youth had an opportunity to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and visitors could ice skate through the support of Form Energy or ride a carousel provided by WVU Medicine Weirton Medical Center. They could enjoy train rides sponsored by the Holiday Inn Weirton-Steubenville Area, try out a mechanical reindeer and a variety of inflatables and participate in face painting and more.

CHOO-CHOO!! — Among the attractions for this year’s event was a train ride, up and down a portion of Main Street, provided with support from the Holiday Inn Weirton-Steubenville Area. -- Craig Howell

“There’s been a lot of work that’s gone into this, and we’ve done it all for the community,” said Mayor Dean Harris.

Harris offered his thanks, in particular, to Assistant City Manager DeeAnn Pulliam and Brandy Brock, executive assistant to the mayor — both of whom serve on the Festival Committee and lead the organization of the event — and credited the late Joe DiBartolomeo, Weirton’s former city manager for helping to get the tradition started.

“He pushed for this and, if you knew Joe, he pushed hard,” Harris said.

Within the Millsop Community Center, attendees could put in a chance to win a basket as part of a gift drawing, or peruse the entries in this year’s Gingerbread House contest — casting their vote for the People’s Choice Award.

The festivities were capped off with the lighting of the community Christmas tree, located in front of the Millsop Center, and a fireworks display provided by the city.

Additional support for Christmas on Main Street was provided by Reindeer sponsors: VP Machine, Starvaggi Industries, WTOV-TV, DeeJay’s BBQ Ribs and Grille, Taylor and Makricostas, Nick’s Auto Sales, Borden Office Equipment, the Thrasher Group, Kensington Investments, Weirton Rental Center, Sellitti Realty, Window World, Expand Energy, Hancock County Savings Bank, USI Insurance Services and Cleveland Cliffs; and Snowman sponsors: Mz Dawn’s First Class Commercial Cleaning, the River Network, Lombardi General Contractor, Assure America, Domino’s, Village Pharmacy, First Choice America Community Federal Credit Union, Rose Pest Solutions, United Bank, Tomtreyco McDonald’s, James White Construction and PGI Premium Guard.