On Saturday, Nov. 17, Mayor Harold E. Miller will host the third annual North End Tree Lighting Ceremony, the revival of a decade’s old ceremony. The evening will also mark the occasion of collectible Christmas tree ornament honoring the ancestry of the families who created the community called Weirton 71 years ago this year.
“Weirton was incorporated 71 years ago, a town made up of families from all over the world who made a hometown here we are all very proud of,” Mr. Miller said.
The North End Tree lighting ceremony, held at the intersection of Main Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, will begin at 6 p.m. with the welcome by Mayor Miller and the unveiling of the second edition of the Success in Unity Ornament featuring the country of Scotland. Pastor Rudy,Mc Allistar will give a blessing prior to the official lighting of the tree.
The Festivities will include performances from the Cove Chimers, Striplight Community Theatre, and De Ja Vu
Iannettis Garden Center donated the 2018 North End tree, which brings back cherished memories for the entire community. ArcelorMittal Corporation continues to graciously allow the use of their piece of property at this intersection corner.
Last year we had the introduction of the Success in Unity Ornament – the first in a series that will be released each year honoring the many cultures that made up, and continue to make up, the fabric of the Weirton Community – a new tradition created by the Weirton Renaissance Committee. This year, the Second Ornament in the Success in Unity series features Scotland. In honoring the Scottish heritage, the ornament is trimmed in the official Scottish Tartan of Weirton. It features images from the Scottish countryside, the Thatched roof house, and the adorable coo who is wearing the thistle wreath which represents nobility and graciousness and also served as a national emblem of Scotland. Nathan Mazur from USI generously sponsored the design and printing of this year’s ornament.
“We wanted to be a part of Renaissance Weirton’s effort to do something to re-energize the city’s motto and celebrate our 71st year anniversary,” said Nathan Mazur of USI insurance. “One of the many characteristics that makes our town unique is many cultures blended together to build Weirton and its future.”
The event is free and everyone is invited to attend. Granato’s Deli will provide hot chocolate, cookies, and popcorn.
The second Success in Unity Ornament is $10 and can be pre-ordered by calling Brandy or Christine at 304-797-8500 ext 1002/1003. The first orders of the ornaments will be available for pick-up at Light the Night, additional orders will also be taken at the event.
Each year the proceeds from the special edition ornaments will go to a local organization working to improve the quality of life in Weirton. This year’s recipient is Striplight Community Theatre, who offers main stage shows like “Alice in Wonderland, Grease, and a Charlie Brown Christmas” and partner with the Renaissance Committee for events like Gate 5 Industrial Arts Festival and The Tree lighting ceremony. Recipients will be chosen each year by the members of the Renaissance Corporation .
Special thanks to the sponsors who have assisted with this never-forgotten tradition of the Holiday Season: include The City of Weirton, Thrasher Group, The Frontier Group of Companies, Assure America, The Law Offices of Dittmar, Taylor and Macricostas, Ianettis, Granatos Deli, Arcelor Mittal, First Choice America, Guida Law Offices, Bubbas Wings, Striplight Community Theatre, De ja vu, Weirton Renaissance Corporation, and USI Insurance services.
