Community

‘Winter on the Plaza’ Delivers Warm Dose of Holiday Spirit in Wheeling

Eric Ayres

Mild weather didn't stop anyone in Wheeling from getting into a festive holiday mood Wednesday night when the city of Wheeling hosted its annual Winter on the Plaza.

The Christmas season officially kicked off in grand fashion, as Santa Claus made his grand entrance into the Friendly City atop a Wheeling Fire Department ladder truck. St. Nick greeted scores of youngsters and families that filled The Plaza on Market and sprinkled magic dust on the plaza's Christmas tree to get it lit and get the merriest of seasons underway.

"This is our first time coming to this event," said Wheeling Island resident Sgt. 1st Class Elijah S. Dantzler of the Army National Guard, who was joined by his wife Katelyn, their 2-year-old son, Weston, and Weston's grandfather, Chuck Sell.

"It's nice that they have things like this locally," Kathelyn Dantzler said, as Weston chased down simulated snow flakes that gently floated down from a rooftop on Market Plaza onto the heads of revelers below.

"He's been enjoying himself ever since he got here," Elijah Dantzler said of his young son.

Once again, local businessman Dean Connors provided the remotely activated bubble shower to bring "snow" to the plaza, while local musician Libby Adams played and sang holiday tunes to set the scene.

There were activities for children, vendors and an array of family fun for everyone during the popular annual tree lighting festivities, coordinated by Wheeling Marketing and Community Relations Specialist Michele Rejonis and her fellow city staffers.

"Snow when it's 55 degrees -- it's another Christmas miracle!" Santa proclaimed.

In addition to the chance to pose with pictures and give Santa a Christmas wish list, children got to romp on an inflatable by Tripp's Fun Zone and do arts and crafts at stations offered by the Wheeling Parks & Recreation Department, the Wheeling Arts & Cultural Commission and Wheeling Heritage. The Wheeling Nailers signed autographs and passed out candy canes, the Junior League of Wheeling provided official forms for letters to Santa, Daniel Thorne offered light up toys and fidget spinners, Be Kind Ceramics provided holiday decor, and treats were offered by Jean's Baked Goods, Grandpa Joe's Candy and the So Nuts for Donuts food truck.

Holiday festivities continue in Wheeling this week when the Main Street Bank Fantasy in Lights Parade takes place in Center Wheeling Friday night.