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The cold winds may be blowing but spring is just around the corner bringing programs and events to look forward to.

  We are especially excited for the return of the Jefferson County Chamber Spring Home Show, on March 2-3. It has been a few years since the area has seen such events.

Chamber of Commerce President Kate Sedgmer explained that this free event will appeal to new and seasoned homeowners, DIY enthusiasts, and anyone looking for home improvement ideas.

  “There are similar shows in neighboring areas, but the closest shows to us are Pittsburgh and Wheeling! We are fortunate to have attracted many of the ‘large’ vendors that typically frequent these shows,” she noted.

  They are anticipating about 60 vendors and displays from local and regional businesses and nonprofits as well as several pop-up displays. New this year is a Kids Korner to entertain the youngsters while their parents browse the exhibits.

  “The Show takes lots of planning, coordination with vendors, community, and volunteer support. We are excited to partner with the Public Libraries of Steubenville and Jefferson County to offer crafts and activities to children. We also hope to have an appraiser on hand so attendees can bring their vintage/antiques to be checked out,” she added.

  The 2024 Spring Home Show offering information on home renovation, landscaping, interior design, and home technology will be held at St. Florian Hall, 286 Luray Drive, Wintersville and run from 11am to 6pm on Saturday and again from 11am to 3pm on Sunday. For more information, call the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce at 740.282.6226.

It’s easy to get the January blahs when the grey skies and cold, damp weather dominates. But a short drive to Steubenville may help break the gloomy spell. Situated in the Ohio River Valley, Steubenville has remnants of its industrial past, the natural beauty of the Appalachian hills, and a historic downtown with quirky shops, stunning churches, and a reconstructed 18^th century frontier fort right in the downtown. Start at the Steubenville Visitor Center where you can obtain maps, dining/lodging recommendations, and a list of the many events and festivals through the year.

1. City of Murals: Twenty-three larger than life works of art adorn many buildings in the city, depicting moments of local and national history including the first professional African American baseball player, Abraham Lincoln in the Civil War telegraph office, the main character of Ohio’s rock song (“Hold on Sloopy”), city native and crooner Dean Martin, and scenes of old Steubenville. Pick up a map and scavenger hunt at the Visitor Center to make it a fun experience for the whole family.
2. Beatty Park: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this nature preserve abounds with 19^th century stonework, walking and hiking trails, creeks, wildflowers, and towering trees. Put February 25^th on your calendar for the Leap Year Winter Hike! This guided walk will loop up to the cemetery and back to the old stone lodge where there will be a fire and snacks.
3. Downtown Fourth Street: With many of its buildings and shops currently undergoing revitalization, this block is filled with unique businesses that encourage browsing and shopping. Stock up on holiday décor and gifts in Drosselmeyer’s Nutcracker Shoppe; browse the art and books in BookMarx Bookstore; sip a latte in the DaVinci themed atmosphere of Leonardo’s Coffeehouse; choose one of many flavors at the Steubenville Popcorn Company; enjoy a taste of Greece in Yorgo’s or fire-baked pizza at Martoni’s – each locally owned and operated.
4. Antique Warehouse: Get out of the cold and wander through three floors of antiques, memorabilia, bargains, and mementoes of yesteryear. It’s easy to spend an hour or two admiring beautiful crystal and well-crafted furniture, remembering old toys, and discovering records or books, easily accessible with an elevator for those who aren’t able to navigate the grand staircase.
5. Historic Fort Steuben: Billed as the Gateway to the West, this reconstructed military fort depicts life on the Ohio frontier in 1786-87. Although the Fort is closed until late April, the Exhibit Hall in the Visitor Center offers historic displays, including a huge collection of Native American spear heads and artifacts – some thousands of years old. Both adults and children can appreciate an exhibit on the Lewis & Clark expedition and an affiliated Junior Ranger Program. Bring your NPS Passport book to get stamped! Include the Museum Shop to pick up some postcards, old fashioned toys, history books, and souvenirs.

Many lodging options are available, but for a family or small group experience the Bayberry House Bed & Breakfasts offer an elegant and private retreat with modern conveniences right in the downtown.

Tomorrow is the big day!   77 Units – Bands, Dance Groups , Martial Arts, Floats, Vehicles and more-

DECEMBER 2 – FOURTH STREET AT NOON.

CLICK LINK BELOW:

LIGHTUPNIGHT.m4v

Click below for video:

https://scsohio-my.sharepoint.com/:v:/g/personal/ncampana_scsohio_org/EcjDdeCDgdNAla4rkZFqG_4BIjFwVIowXwa7RVjpyYrS3A

The artwork of Marilyn McCain,  featured artist from The Steubenville Art Association for the month of October, is now on display at the Steubenville/Fort Steuben Visitor Center.

Marilyn started drawing when she was 3 years old and has never stopped.

With 70 years of experience making art work, she spent nearly three decades in the public school system at the elementary level teaching children art.  She still does mixed media artwork daily – primarily drawing and sculptures.  

Marilyn is a lifelong horse lover, and has many pieces depicting this subject.  She has studied equine form and personality for many years, making it a specialty.  She says she will always cherish the memory of her big Palomino who she trained and who carried her faithfully for twenty years.

Her artwork is lovely.  The display is open the same hours as the Visitor Center, Monday through Saturday, 10am to 4pm, and Sundays 11am to 4pm.  Be sure to stop by and view this display, you will not regret it!

Below are two of Marilyn’s works: “Horse Heaven” an 18×24 pen and colored pencil drawing of two black Friesian Stallions. And, “A Drinker of the Wind and his Master”, a 16×20 drawing done in a dot-by-dot style in pen, overlaid with a variety of colored pencil tones.

Here are some fun Halloween Events:

Special Connections presents: Trunk or Treat and Fall Bash – Activities and food – JEFFCO Building, 256 John Scott Hwy, Steubenville. October 21^st from 1:00-3:00pm.

Trunk or Treat – Food, Music, Games, Fun – First United Presbyterian Church Parking Lot, 654 McLister Ave., Mingo Junction. October 22^nd from 4:00-6:00pm.

Beyond Kids LLC presents: Halloween Bash – Bounce House, Dancing, Candy Stations, Face Painting, Pizza, Costume Contest, Vendors –JEFFCO 250 John Scott Hwy, Steubenville.   October 28^th at 5:00pm.

Howl-o-Ween Thrill of the Hunt – Team Scavenger Hunt & Dance Party – Cash Prize – Jefferson County Humane Society, Wintersville.  October 28^th.   Shelter: 740-314-5583; Clinic: 740-792-4350.     

2^nd Annual Trunk or Treat presented by CK Auto Salvage, CK Towing and Recovery & Mayor Mike Petrella – 766 Canton Road, Wintersville.  October 28^th from 1:00-4:00pm.

Steubenville Trick or Treat, October 28^th from 5:00-7:00pm.

Wintersville Trick or Treat, October 28^th from 5:00-7:00pm.

Second Baptist Church presents: Trunk or Treat – Apple Cider, Food Music, Fun – 717 Adams St.,  Steubenville – October 31^st from 5:00-8:00pm.

The Upper Ohio Valley Camera Club will be having its Annual Photography Exhibit beginning on October 7 and continuing throughout the month. It will be held at the Millsop Community Center, 3420 Main Street, Weirton in the Lobby during regular business hours.

The Exhibit will open with “Meet the Photographers” from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 7. Winning photographs from the September Annual Photography Competition with 16 different topics will be on display as well as many other pictures.

The public is invited to attend and view the many interesting, captivating and unique pictures which were taken with digital and film cameras as well as with cell phones.

The annual exhibit, Celebrate the Constitution, sponsored by Historic Fort Steuben and the Fort Steuben Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, opened at the Fort Steuben Visitor Center on Saturday, September 9.

New this year is a special visit by Abraham Lincoln (aka Kevin Wood) who will offer insights into the life and thinking of our nation’s 16^th president on Saturday, September 16 at 11am in the Visitor Center.

“As President, Mr. Lincoln ably led our nation through its darkest days, when brother fought against brother, and the fabric of our ‘more perfect Union’ was nearly torn asunder,” Wood noted. His presentation will cover the entire period from Independence through the Civil War, especially the 12 turbulent years from 1854-1865.

The exhibit highlights the signers, the details, and the history of America’s founding document, which is commemorated every year on September 17, Constitution Day. Included in the exhibit is The Bill of Rights & You, created by the National Archives Traveling Exhibits Service and the video A More Perfect Union depicting the often-raucous debates of the Constitutional Convention of 1787.

Director Judy Bratten explained, “Our Constitution is a unique document that set the standards for the new nation and still remains the framework for our government. The amendment process was created because the framers of the Constitution realized that as the country grew, the government would need to adapt to the changes. Their foresight prevented the violence that often occurred in other nations when changes were necessary. Proposing an amendment is easy, but two-thirds of both houses of Congress and three-fourths of the states must approve the change before it is added to the Constitution. That is why, out of more than 11,000 attempts to amend the Constitution, only 27 have been successful.”

The exhibit also offers visitors the opportunity to sign a replica of the Constitution and receive a free pocket Constitution.

Constitution Day was the brainchild of Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia who always carried a copy of the Constitution with him and was emphatic about making Constitution Day events a requirement for organizations that receive federal funds. Individuals, families, school groups and civic organizations are invited to visit the free exhibit that runs until September 24th. Hours are Monday- Saturday: 10am-4pm; Sunday: 12-4pm. The Visitor Center is located at 120 S. 3^rd Street

This year’s Downtown Steubenville Farmers’ Market has been the largest and busiest in quite some time.

In addition to the faithful returning vendors, numerous new vendors have signed up offering an expanded variety of products.

Regulars include: Russell Produce (Veggies & fruit); Anguili Farms (Veggies & fruit); Woolf Farms (Corn, apples, peaches & cider); Fowler Hill Farm (Jellies, Jams, Apple Butter, zucchini & banana bread); and Lynn’s Goodies & Gifts (Pies, zucchini bread, brownies, pickles, home canned fruits and veggies).

New this year are:  June Gardner (Baklava, pizzelles, and other fancy baked goods); Sweets by a Baker (fudge, cookies, and more); Hippy Honey (Honey & tie-dyed shirts and leggings); Nixon’s Fixins’ (3 pepper sauces); Mighty Microgreens (Variety of microgreens); Happy Hippy Farms Goat Milk Soap Co. (goat milk soap & lotions, handmade crystal jewelry, baked goods).   Also, Aunt Sam’s Kitchen food truck offers fresh made breakfast sandwiches, donuts, hot dogs, drinks and more.    

Family Recovery is also on site most weeks offering handouts and information.

Customer traffic is higher also this year, with vendors sometimes selling out before the closing time of the market. 

It has been a very successful year so far, but remember, the Market remains open through the first Thursday of November, still offering a wide variety of items!   Hours each Thursday are from 8:00am until 2:00pm.