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We're solidly into November, and, while the weather has not really offered much to indicate it, the calendar reminds us that the spirit of the holiday season is ready to shine brightly in communities throughout the Tri-State Area.
Area activities got underway Wednesday in Weirton, when the annual North End Christmas Tree Lighting was held at the corner of Main Street and Pennsylvania Avenue.
That spirit will continue to shine in Weirton on Nov. 23, with the Christmas on Main Street event. Scheduled to run from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. in front of the Millsop Community Center, it will feature ice skating, inflatables, miniature golf and train rides, an auction and drawings, as well as a variety of vendors, live entertainment and other activities, including lighting of the city's tree and fireworks.
For those who enjoy being outdoors, the Rink at Franciscan Square will open for the season Wednesday. The area's only outdoor ice-skating rink is made possible by the Franciscan University of Steubenville and the support of numerous area businesses and individuals, including Trinity Health System, the title sponsor.
Steubenville will help to welcome the holiday season on Nov. 26, when the Steubenville Nutcracker Village opens for its 10th season. Organizers with the Steubenville Cultural Trust have said a record 210 of the life-size figures will stand at attention throughout the downtown area. The evening will include a concert by the Ron Retzer Trio and the lighting of 25 decorated Christmas trees. Street vendors and downtown shops will be open for the event, which will be held rain or shine. Fourth Street will be closed to traffic that evening, offering all who attend a chance to walk through the area and enjoy all that the evening will have to offer.
There are 10 additions to this year's lineup at the world's largest collection of life-size nutcrackers.
The annual Steubenville Lights up the Night event will be held Nov. 29 in Fort Steuben Park. The night features the opening of the holiday market and will includes the lighting of the city's Christmas tree and fireworks, and the opening of the sound and light show outside of the Jefferson County Courthouse. The Brenda Casey Dancers will perform, and that will help to set the stage for holiday entertainment throughout the season, including a special performance of the Jeff Jimerson and Airborne Celebrate Christmas show in the Berkman Amphitheater on Nov. 30, courtesy of 7Ranges Entertainment and Ferguson's House of Furniture.
Also on Nov. 30, Inspire Toronto will hold its Light-up Night Experience, a new eevtn with activities for children.
Richmond Park will help spread Christmas Magic on Friday and Saturday nights beginning Nov. 29 and running through Dec. 21. There will be a drive-through light display in the park, which will be lit between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Parades are a staple of the Christmas season, and this year's lineup opens at 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 29, when Wellsburg's annual event is held. Weirton's Christmas parade is scheduled for 6 p.m. Nov. 30, and will include its traditional fireworks display. On Dec. 7, Fourth Street in Downtown Steubenville will come alive with the annual Sights and Sounds of Christmas parade. Dec. 14, meanwhile, will include the annual Christmas parade in Richmond.
Also on Dec. 7, the holiday spirit will continue to shine during the Christmas at Historic Beatty Park. Scheduled to run from noon to 4 p.m., the event will feature a live Nativity, Santa Claus and elves, local musicians and choirs, holiday hikes, a Christmas storybook walk, free food, crafts, a fire and stories at the Old Stone Lodge and more.
The Wintersville Winter Weekend will return on Dec. 7-8 and feature vendors, a Nativity display at Wintersville Methodist Church, live music and luminaria lining Main Street. It includes the village's annual Christmas parade beginning at 4 p.m. Dec. 8.
And, at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 9, Aracoma Park in Mingo Junction will be the site of the village's annual light-up event.
These are just a few of the many events that will be held throughout the region during the next several weeks. They offer a chance for area residents to enjoy the company of one another and to share the camaraderie our region is known for. And, while we want everyone to find time to relax with friends and neighbors, we hope we all can remember that the true spirit of the season goes beyond celebrations, parties and parades, and is something that should stay with each of us all year long.