KICKING IT OFF — A group of area youth were invited to assist city officials and other guests in lighting the city’s North End Christmas tree as part of a ceremony held Thursday at the intersection of Main Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. -- Craig Howell

WEIRTON — It may be more than a month away, according to the calendar, but Weirton kicked off the Christmas season Thursday night, as officials and invited guests gathered to light the North End Christmas Tree.

“It’s become a tradition here in Weirton,” noted Mayor Dean Harris, in welcoming members of City Council, the Weirton Board of Parks and Recreation, city employees, and representatives of the major sponsors for this year’s Christmas on Main Street festivities.

Harris offered his thanks to former mayor Harold “Bubba” Miller, who reinstituted the practice of a Christmas tree at the intersection of Main Street and Pennsylvania Avenue soon after taking office in 2015, originally hosting a celebratory gathering which grew so much it had to be moved to the city’s downtown after a few years.

While Christmas on Main Street prospered, the North End tree remained, with an annual, invitation-only event to offer thanks to city staff and the sponsors of some of the city’s holiday festivities.

“This was his pet project,” Harris said. “I think we’re all grateful.”

The importance of the intersection goes beyond the location of the tree, though, as it once served as a major hub of the community. It was the entrance to the original community of Weirton, built for the employees of Weirton Steel and growing along with the mill. The original municipal building and police department were located just feet away from where the tree stands.

Weirton Steel had its offices at the intersection, with numerous small businesses located nearby, along with schools, churches, and homes.

Each year, for several generations, a tree would be placed at the intersection, to act as a sign of the holiday season.

“Everything was in this area,” he said. “This tree always symbolized Weirton.”

In addition to helping to welcome the Christmas season, Thursday’s event offered a chance to offer thanks to the major sponsors of this year’s Christmas on Main Street.

Assistant City Manager DeeAnn Pulliam expressed appreciation to WVU Medicine Weirton Medical Center, which is sponsoring a carousel; Form Energy, sponsor of the ice skating; and the Holiday Inn Weirton-Steubenville for their support.

Christmas on Main Street is set to take place from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Nov. 22, with activities near the Millsop Community Center. It will include a variety of merchandise and food vendors, live music, games and more, capped off with the lighting of the Christmas tree in front of the community center and fireworks.

Pulliam and Brandy Brock, executive assistant to the mayor, also offered thanks to Public Works Director Allen Hess and his crews, city electricians Scott Marshall and Zach Miser, city council, and members of the Weirton Park Board for their support.