Weirton Chamber lights up the night
WEIRTON - The city welcomed the holiday season Saturday evening, as decorated floats, cars, bands and dance schools made their way down Weirton's Main Street.
Featuring a theme of "Illuminate the Night," the Weirton Christmas Parade, organized by the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce, featured musical numbers, performances, and a number of other entries, all lit up for the spectators lined up through downtown.
"We couldn't have asked for a better night," said Weirton Chamber President Brenda Mull. "The weather was nice. The crowd was huge. The parade was awesome."
With members of the Hancock-Brooke Young Professionals leading the way as honorary grand marshals, Saturday's parade featured a selection from various aspects of the community, with entries from local small businesses and churches, to elected officials and members of the area's safety forces, to bands from three area high schools, several dance schools and more.
Sponsors were Nick's Auto Sales, Southwestern Energy and West Virginia Northern Community College.
The festivities culminated with an appearance by Santa Claus, and a fireworks display set off behind Municipal Plaza and visible throughout the downtown.
Fireworks sponsors this year were Summer's Enterprise, which was the grand finale sponsor; as well as Eastern Gateway Community College; Lauttamus Communications; McDonald's/Tomtreyco; Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sewickley; Nick's Auto Sales; Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort; Hancock County Savings Bank; and Best You Boutique.
"The chamber really appreciates everyone who comes out to support the parade each year," Mull said. "It's about the community coming together."
Tying into the "Illuminate the Night" theme of the parade, the chamber reminds residents of businesses of its ongoing luminaria sale for its annual "Illuminate Weirton" event, set this year for Dec. 17. Luminaria kits are priced at $27 for a pack of 12 bags and lights.