VOLUNTEER — Judy Bratten, who plans to retire as executive director of the Steubenville Visitors Center at the end of April, received a sweatshirt from volunteers during a recognition luncheon at Naples Spaghetti House Tuesday. With her were visitors center volunteer Patrick McLaughlin, center, and Mayor Jerry Barilla. -- Christopher Dacanay

STEUBENVILLE — People who lent a hand at the 2024 Christmas at the Fort celebrated their efforts Tuesday, with leaders acknowledging the many helpers it takes to make the yearly initiative a success.

“I’m welcoming you to our volunteer luncheon to thank each of you for your participation in this year’s Christmas at the Fort. We couldn’t do it without any of you,” Steubenville Visitors Center Director Judy Bratten said to around two dozen individuals gathered at Naples Spaghetti House.

“Maybe you only shared 10 minutes or maybe you were there every day, but whatever you did contributed to a wonderful event — something that was not only great for the community but for the fort itself to maintain its presence and to be able to continue providing historical events and educational programs because of all the work that you’ve done.”

Now a 10-year-old tradition, Christmas at the Fort sees Historic Fort Steuben and the Visitor Center transformed into a family friendly winter bazaar, complete with photo opportunities, vendors and live entertainment. The 2024 celebration began Nov. 29 with Steubenville Lights Up the Night and officially concluded Dec. 29.

Paul Zuros, director of Historic Fort Steuben, noted that “a lot of people make this place work.”

Beginning in June, a committee begins planning indoor and outdoor events, coordinating fundraising and ironing out other details to “make it the best it can be.” The undertaking is so grand, Zuros said, that it truly requires a “citywide effort” to pull off.

“The volunteers are absolutely vital because, without them, nothing can happen. A lot of these volunteers spent hours and hours at the fort — putting up lights, moving chalets around, thinking through the huge (Christmas Pavilion) tent.”

Zuros said planning begins as soon as possible, and conversations have already begun for the 2025 celebration.

At least 50 different individuals contributed to Christmas at the Fort in some way, Zuros estimated. That includes helpers from Eastern Ohio Correction Center and Steubenville High School.

Bratten said sponsorships came from more than 40 businesses and organizations, some representatives of which were in attendance Tuesday.

Also present was Mayor Jerry Barilla, who reflected on the time and effort put into the Christmas celebration by volunteers, who he said exemplified “teamwork.”

“For me, this was the most family togetherness of this being put together because we had so many people contributing to the success of this year’s Christmas at the Fort. We never had this many volunteers and support — ever — than we did this year. It’s a (testament) to Fort Steuben and its position in the city, its reputation and the people who support it.”

Barilla said the 2024 celebration was “well received” and had attendees hailing from “everywhere.”

“I think we made Steubenville proud with what went on at Christmas at the Fort … I think people went away from it saying, ‘Wow, what a nice city that is. It’s a friendly city, and people recognize us as a friendly city. We certainly contribute to the health and wellbeing of the city of Steubenville.”

Bratten added, “People don’t realize how many people work behind the scenes to put on any big events, and it’s important to me to acknowledge all of those who have given their time and their talents for the sake of the common good.”

Visitor Center volunteer Patrick McLaughlin gave a “special thank you” to Bratten, who plans to retire from her position at the end of April. On behalf of the other volunteers, McLaughlin presented her with a sweatshirt bearing the word “volunteer” on the back, a nod to the new role she’ll assume upon stepping down.

“You’ve been there for me. You’ve made me the person that I am today,” McLaughlin told Bratten. “You believe in not only me but all of the volunteers. It means a lot.”