Nov 27, 2023
WEIRTON — The Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce made sure Saturday was a sweet experience for everyone gathered for this year’s Weirton Christmas Parade.
“Candyland Christmas” was the theme for the evening festivities, with gingerbread men, peppermint candies and more mingled in with some of the traditional sights and sounds of Christmas.
“That was probably the best parade we’ve had in years,” Chamber President Brenda Mull said following the grand finale fireworks display which brought the activity to a close. “It was a great turnout and a great success.”
Sponsored by Nick’s Auto and West Virginia Northern Community College, the parade featured well over 70 entries, including performances by local dance schools and marching bands, colorful floats provided by many area businesses, a variety of vehicles covered in lights and characters from the Candyland board game joining many of the traditional holiday favorites.
Nick’s Auto has been a long-time sponsor of the Weirton Christmas Parade, also offering vehicles to assist in towing many of the floats. Jodie Snodgrass noted it’s one way the business is able to give back to the businesses and residents of the area.
LIGHTING THE WAY – First Choice America Community Credit Union was one of many area businesses taking part in this year’s Weirton Christmas Parade, with a float full of employees and their families. — Craig Howell
“The community always supports us, and this is a way we can show our gratitude,” Snodgrass said.
Lisa Soly, of West Virginia Northern Community College, noted the spirit which spreads through the community as the holiday season kicks off with the parade and other festivities.
“West Virginia Northern is proud to be part of the Weirton community,” Soly said. “The parade is always an enjoyable evening to come together.”
Grand marshals for Saturday’s parade were Sweet Temptations, Best You Boutique and the City of Weirton; all nominees for “WV Living” magazine’s Best of the Best contest.
In addition to the parade sponsors, the chamber was supported by numerous area businesses contributing toward the fireworks display. Those included Summer’s Enterprise as the grand finale sponsor; Dee Jay’s BBQ Ribs and Grille, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sewickley, Hancock County Savings Bank, Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort, Nick’s Auto Sales and Window World as firecracker sponsors; and Best You Boutique, Lauttamus Communications and Security, Mario’s Restaurant and Lounge and Weirton Rental Center as sparkler sponsors.
SURF’S UP – The John D. Rockefeller IV Career Center brought a little sunshine to the holidays, with a beach-inspired entry for Saturday’s Weirton Christmas Parade. — Craig Howell
“Thank you to our sponsors and also all the people on our committees,” Mull said. “A special thank you to Stephanie O’Brien and Joyia Lytle for their creativity in bringing a true Candyland atmosphere to the parade.”
Nov 25, 2023
CHUGGING ALONG — Created by Lombardi Development of Follansbee, the Candyland Express was among units that adopted the train theme chosen for the Wellsburg Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas parade, which was held Friday on Charles Street. — Warren Scott
WELLSBURG — Aided by local business sponsors, the Wellsburg Chamber of Commerce helped to usher in the holiday season for many residents Friday with its Christmas parade on Charles Street.
Many residents and visitors lined the street from 26th Street to the city’s Town Square to see police cruisers and fire trucks, the Brooke High School Marching Band and Dance Team and many other participants.
Giving a boost to this year’s event were TEAM Ford, which also provided vehicles to tow the floats; and Main Street Bank, which arranged the visit by special guests Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Eric Fithyan, the event’s chairman, chose “Wellsburg Express” as this year’s theme, comparing the interlocked cars of a train bound for the same destination to the team effort that resulted in the development and recent completion of the new Ohio River bridge just south of the city.
And serving as grand marshal were three who were early, vocal supporters of the span: residents Walter Ferguson of Wellsburg and Helen Mayle of Brilliant and former state Senator Jack Yost.
Fithyan had invited residents of Brilliant, the city’s newest neighbor thanks to that interstate link, to join in the festivities.
And Brilliant area firefighters could be found among the many first responders who drove their vehicles along the parade route.
The procession included a wide variety of vehicles, from the train-themed floats entered by Lombardi Development and Steel Valley Baptist Church to a winter wonderland float occupied by lighted snowmen sponsored by the chamber and Eagle Manufacturing to a horse-drawn wagon belonging to Rocky Ridge Acres of Waynesburg, Pa. to the many miniature motorcycles piloted by members of the Osiris Shrine of Wheeling.
Following the parade, attendees could make their way to the Town Square, where children could meet with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and everyone could enjoy light refreshments while awaiting the lighting of the Christmas tree there.
Held each year on the day after Thanksgiving, the parade is one way many residents prepare for the holiday season.
Several parade-goers in Wellsburg were asked what puts them in the mood for Christmas.
Marc Carte of Wellsburg replied, “Christmas and good friends.”
Among friends attending the parade with Carte and his family was Tracy Delatore, a former Wellsburg resident now living in Tampa, Fla.
Delatore noted weather in the Sunshine State doesn’t provide the same seasonal cue experienced by residents of the Ohio Valley, so she looks to other triggers.
“Listening to Christmas music and decorating for the holidays. To get in the spirit, you just have to do extra decorating,” she said.
Toni Taylor of Wellsburg said, “I really think Thanksgiving (puts her in the mood) and spending time with my family.”
Taylor said each year her daughters and their families come to her home for breakfast and to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on television, then stay for dinner.
“We’ve been doing that for a long time,” she said.
Leigh Scherich of Wellsburg said Christmas music also is key for her, with “Do You Hear What I Hear?” being a favorite, but spending time with family also is important.
“Spending time with my granddaughters, who are 4 and 5, and seeing them get excited,” she added.
Oct 27, 2023
Dressed in pink, staff with Lombardi Development of Follansbee greeted Lawrence and Hanna Scurry of Weirton and their children — Ray, 1, and Maverick,3, at one of many stations staffed by local businesses and groups during the Follansbee Chamber of Commerce’s Trunk-or-Treat event Thursday outside the Follansbee Community House. Lombardi Development simulated a life-size doll box for photo opportunities and decorated their vehicle in pink for the occasion. — Warren Scott
Oct 18, 2022
Construction of the new, larger swimming pool at Grand Vue Park continues with the project’s first concrete pour happening this week.
The park made the announcement on its social media to the delight of its patrons. The pool is replacing the park’s current facility and will be much larger.
The park decided to replace its current pool to make a bigger one to accommodate the increasing number of guests arriving there. The addition of the park’s new RV park last summer was also part of that decision.
Construction of the new pool by Lombardi Construction of Follansbee began last July. It will also feature a rock climbing wall, diving board, two slides, water walks, basketball hoops and other water tools, according to park information.
The new pool’s designer was Martin Aquatic of Florida.
“Located in a nature and adventure park that overlooks the Ohio River Valley, the Grand Vue Park Aquatic Center will feature a 7,500-square-foot pool that offers activities and excitement for every age level,” according to the Martin Aquatic website.
“Thrill-seekers can test their mettle on the 21-foot-tall dual slide tower, the lilypad rope walk or the three-sided basketball hoop. Families with young children can enjoy the zero-entry end of the pool with spraying toys.
“Three traditional lap lanes are in the rectangular side of the pool, which reaches as deep as 11 feet and allows for a 1-meter diving board and a challenging aquatic rock climbing wall.
“For this project’s pool area, Martin Aquatic provided concept design services and hydraulic, structural, filtration, and chemical system design and engineering services.”
General Manager Craig White said previously the old pool was well attended by families with younger children, but not many teenagers used it. With it being larger and there being more water features, he anticipates more teens will frequent it.
Much like the old pool, the new pool will have a beach-style entry for those who do not want to use a ladder to get in and out. There will also be a handicapped chair lift for those who need it.
The pool closed in 2021 during construction of the RV Park. Because the pool was closed the park offered customers passes to other local pools instead.
The park anticipates selling pool passes closer to when the facility is ready to open, which is expected to happen for the Summer 2023 swimming season.
