photo by: Julie Stenger

Five new nutcrackers were added to the Nutcracker Village Tuesday evening, as crowds gathered inside a tent erected inside the German Gluhwein Garden on Fourth Street. A fog machine began the introduction, after which officials announced the newest additions, including an Ohio State Buckeye nutcracker, Zaccheus, St. John the Worker, Fred Astaire and the Wicked Witch. There are now 230 nutcrackers, according to officials.

There is a moment when the calendar feels as though it stops, if only for an instant. It is a transition from the brisk gray of fall to the hopeful twinkle of the holiday season. That moment arrived Tuesday evening, as the streets came alive with families eager to see what new wonders awaited on the downtown streets of Steubenville.

Hundreds gathered to welcome back an army of silent, painted soldiers and to usher in one of the community’s most cherished traditions: The Nutcracker Village. The air not only filled with the scent of roasted nuts and gluhwein, but with the quiet hum of generations coming together.

The event marked its 11th anniversary of the community tradition, welcoming five additional nutcrackers to its display. As the new nutcrackers were unveiled, many in attendance saw more than just painted figures. They saw a community coming together, celebrating itself.

Each of the new nutcrackers stood tall and proudm bringing the total now to 230. Steubenville continues to hold the distinction of hosting the largest collection of life-sized nutcrackers in the world.

Officials began a fog machine prior to the unveiling, lifting the golden-colored sheets one by one, to a roar of applause from the crowd. Announcers said this was the most dramatic opening night in the last 11 years.

Added to the village this year were an Ohio State Buckeyes nutcracker, a Fred Astaire nutcracker, the Bible’s Zaccheus, St. Joseph the Worker and the Wicked Witch.

Mark Nelson, president of the Steubenville Cultural Trust, addressed the crowd with gratitude and pride. He recalled the beginning, when his family purchased a school on Lincoln Avenue and how they suddenly found themselves woven into the fabric of the city.

Nelson noted his children pushed the family to try to revitalize, wanting to be proud of their hometown.

That desire became the heartbeat of the Nutcracker Village. It was a project that grew from a simple idea by Steubenville Mayor Jerry Barilla of tucking small nutcrackers into downtown storefront windows, into a phenomenon that now draws visitors from across all 50 states and beyond.

Activities will continue through Jan. 9. Visit steubenvillenutcrackervillage.com for information.