Wellsburg to celebrate arrival of 2010

WELLSBURG - While hundreds of thousands will be clamoring at New York's Times Square to ring in 2010, a smaller number will gather at the Wellsburg Town Square for a quieter but equally cheerful New Year's celebration.

Festivities will begin at 10 p.m. and include the lowering of a 5-foot wide lighted ball onto the square at midnight, followed by a fireworks display.

Wellsburg Mayor Sue Simonetti said city employee Mark Williams will serve as disc jockey and if the weather is not bad, may bring along his band.

Simonetti said as attendees await the arrival of the new year, they also will have an opportunity to partake of hot chocolate and cookies, catch commemorative T-shirts shot from air rockets and win a variety of door prizes.

The fireworks were purchased by the city, following Wellsburg City Council's unanimous approval, and the shirts, food and prizes were donated by several area businesses.

"They (local businesses) are always very generous. Any time we ask them for help, they step up to the plate," Simonetti said.

She added in response to requests for hot food at past celebrations, a local church will be operating a concession stand on the square.

Simonetti said the observance offers area residents an opportunity to celebrate New Year's Eve at little or no cost and has been attended by many families over the years.

"I have attended it in the past. It's very nice," she said.

In addition to the fireworks display, the Wellsburg New Year's ball is a spectacle itself.

Weighing more than 70 pounds and rigged with more than 200 Christmas lights, the ball was dropped from the square's flagpole using an electric winch and cable.

It was created by students in Brooke High School's machine and tool technology, building construction, blueprint and metallurgy and auto body repair classes.

The New Year's Eve celebration was coordinated by a committee comprised of Randy Yost, City Collector-Treasurer Francine Kraus, Nikki Mitchell, 1st Ward Councilman Bruce Hunter and Simonetti.

(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com)