WINNING PETS — As part of its celebration of Christmas on Main Street, the city held its annual Cutest Christmas Pet contest, naming the top three finishers during a presentation Friday. From left are first-place winners Jeremy, Christine and Jaden Tate; Assistant City Manager DeeAnn Pulliam; Brandy Brock, executive assistant to the mayor; Caylee Stewart, representing the Hancock County Animal Shelter; and second-place recipient Taylor Moore. Eliza Utt received third place. -- Craig Howell

WEIRTON — In what has become a local tradition, Weirton officials Friday revealed the community’s cutest pets of the holiday season.

Through an online vote in recent weeks, three awards were presented out of 27 entries for the Christmas on Main Street National Cutest Christmas Pet Photo Contest.

“We had a good turnout this year,” said Assistant City Manager DeeAnn Pulliam. “We’re super excited.”

This year’s first-place award winner was Andy, owned by Jeremy, Christine and Jaden Tate, who received 860 votes.

“It started out as a fun thing,” said Jeremy Tate. “As the votes came in, we started watching more closely.”

According to a biography, the family entered Andy in the contest because he “embodies the spirit of Christmas. He doesn’t just like the holiday … he lives it.” His favorite part, the family says, is opening presents.

The Tate family said it’s nice to have the contest, which is open to participation, not just from Weirton, but anyone across the country, as it shows the community coming together.

The second-place recipient is Taylor Moore, who entered her pack of eight Boston Terriers — Wesley, Phoebe, Bentley, Lexi, Lily, Lucy, Baylee and Birdie — who range in age from 7 to 11.

“I love sharing my group of dogs with everyone,” Moore said, noting she has a Facebook group dedicated to her canine family members. “I love animals and I love anyone helping animals.”

In third place is Eliza Utt, who entered her Shipoo, Blossom.

According to Blossom’s biography, she “is a sweetheart who brings joy to everyone she meets. She loves giving puppy kisses and getting cuddles.”

Utt entered the contest with the goal of helping to raise money for homeless animals.

This year’s contest raised $3,000, earned through a fee paid by the entrants and voters, with proceeds donated to the Hancock County Animal Shelter.

“We appreciate it,” said Caylee Stewart, who was on hand to represent the shelter Friday.

Sponsors were Pet Supplies Plus; Taylor & Makricostas PLLC; Kroger; Outback Steakhouse; and Nick’s Towing, Collision Center, Auto Sales and Rebuilders.