Weirton may not be known for giant pumpkins or a special type of apple, but organizers of this Saturday’s Gate 5 Industrial Art Festival hope the new event can join the Ohio Valley’s other “heritage” festivals as it celebrates our area’s industrial past.

Activities are scheduled throughout the day, with much of it taking place at the Weirton Event Center. The action will begin at 8 a.m. with the Tin Man 5K Run/Walk, tracing a course from East Street to Cove Road, to Weir Avenue, to Pennsylvania Avenue, and down Main Street to Municipal Plaza.

Throughout the day, residents will have a chance to contribute to a mosaic — to be constructed by pieces of Homer Laughlin China’s Fiestaware — along a wall at Cove Commons. An area of Lee Avenue is planned to be set aside while metal sculptors from Pittsburgh build a new piece of public art, to be constructed using scrap materials from Weirton’s steel mill.

Inside the festival grounds, there will be approximately 20 local arts and crafts vendors, selling wares inspired by local industry, from steel to clay to glass and much more. There will also be live music throughout the day, the Gr8 Gate 5 Puzzle Hunt, produced by EscapeWorks, and the Steampunk fashion show.

As we look toward Weirton’s future, in whatever form it may take, we also must remember — and celebrate — its past. Weirton has a rich history and culture, and we thank all those who have volunteered their efforts toward organizing this new heritage festival for the community.

We also encourage residents from throughout Weirton and beyond to take time to check out this new and unique Ohio Valley celebration.