BETTER WATCH OUT – Santa and Mrs. Claus met with children throughout the day Saturday, taking time for pictures and to hear their Christmas wishes. -- Craig Howell

WEIRTON — As it was observed several times during Saturday’s festivities, “Christmas comes first to Main Street in Weirton.”

Area residents gathered for the fifth year, Saturday afternoon, to kick off the holiday season celebrations, as the Weirton Festival Committee presented Christmas on Main Street.

Booths from area businesses, as well as local craft vendors and other organizations, lined Main Street in the area of the Millsop Community Center, despite some early misty rain, with crowds enjoying the available selections, live entertainment, games and other holiday offerings.

“It’s hard to believe this is five years in the making,” exclaimed Weirton Parks Director Coty Shingle, who served as master of ceremonies throughout the day.

Major sponsors for the event were Cleveland Cliffs, Form Energy, Nick’s Auto and Weirton Medical Center.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION – Members of the DiFonzo family were honored Saturday, in recognition for almost 50 years of caring for the Nativity which goes on display in Weirton each holiday season. -- Craig Howell

Attendees had the chance to try out free ice skating in front of the community center, take a ride on a train, ride an inflatable reindeer, and play a round of LED miniature golf, along with various inflatable attractions. In the Weirton Room of the community center, there was an opportunity to view, and even vote on, the annual Gingerbread Contest, and check out the trees on display as part of the annual Christmas tree contest.

Some time also was spent offering thanks and tributes.

Among those was a special recognition to the DiFonzo family, along with members of the Mills, Greer, Corbin and Watts families, who have assisted in keeping the tradition of a community Nativity on display in Weirton for almost 50 years.

“It’s been a long tradition for our family,” noted Bob DiFonzo, whose family, beginning with his father Robert, took over care of the Nativity in 1978.

He said it is a tradition they do, both for God and the community, and he knows it is appreciated by area residents, pledging to keep it going for as long as they are allowed.

LIT UP – Mayor Harold Miller flipped the switch Saturday night, officially lighting the community Christmas tree in front of the Millsop Community Center. A fireworks display followed the tree lighting. -- Craig Howell

A tribute also was paid to Mayor Harold “Bubba” Miller, whose idea to hold a tree lighting in the city’s north end in 2015, eventually grew to the yearly festival the community now knows. He was presented with a collection of photographs from festivities over the years, as well as a shadow box containing a set of the Christmas on Main Street ornaments which have been offered during previous festivals.

“I can only thank the City of Weirton for giving me the honor of being mayor for almost nine years,” said Miller.

The festivities concluded at 7 p.m., with the lighting of the tree in front of the Millsop Center, as well as a fireworks display provided by the City of Weirton.

Additional support was provided by AZZ Precoat Metals, Hancock County Savings Bank, Starvaggi Industries, the Thrasher Group, Taylor and Makricostas PLLC, McKinley Architecture and Engineering, Expand, Three Springs Laser Wash, Holiday Inn, WTOV-TV, Massaro Construction, Window World, USI, First Choice America Community Federal Credit Union, Weirton Fitness Complex, James White Construction, Keep Self Storage, DeeJay’s, Sellitti Realty, First Energy, Lombardi General Contractor, Renewal by Anderson, United Bank, Weirton Rental Center, Assure America, Rose Pest Solutions, Domino’s and McDonalds/Tomtreyco.

CHUGGING ALONG – Nick’s Auto provided the train rides, available to area residents throughout the day. -- Craig Howell

GLIDING AWAY – Attendees were able to enjoy ice skating with support from Cleveland Cliffs. -- Craig Howell

KICKING OFF – The Weir High School Band helped to get things underway Saturday, marching up Main Street to perform in front of the Millsop Community Center. -- Craig Howell