WINTERSVILLE — An ice-skating rink will be part of the first Wintersville Winter Weekend, a new Christmas event in the village, thanks to support from the business community.

Set for Dec. 3 and 4, the weekend will include light up ceremonies at Wintersville United Methodist Church and the Municipal Building, music, food and the village’s Xmas parade.

Mayor Mike Petrella said Cedar One Realty agreed to team with him to bring the rink to the festivities, which led to several other businesses stepping in to support it.

They include Gerry Raymond Chevrolet Buick GMC, the Pest Detective, State Farm Insurance agent Casey Johnson, Creative Carpet, Ferguson’s House of Furniture, Murray’s Restaurant and Valley Wine Cellar.

Petrella said some other businesses may also contribute.

Provided by Movin’ and Groovin’ Productions, the covered rink will include synthetic ice designed to endure through temperatures as high as 70 degrees, so weather shouldn’t be a factor as it is in most temporary rinks, said Petrella.

He added Movin’ and Groovin’ Productions has agreed to provide extra hours for the rink’s use.

Petrella said thanks to the support of local businesses, the rink and 60 pairs associated with skates will be available to attendees at no cost from 4 p. m. to 8 g. m. Dec. 3 plus 3 p. m. to 7 p. m. Dec. 4 outside the Municipal Building on Grove Street.

Area food trucks also are slated to appear there at those times.

“There will be a lot of different stuff going on throughout the weekend break. We’re trying to make it a nice weekend for everybody, ” said Petrella.

The weekend will include the lighting of a Christmas tree at 5: 45 p. m. December. 3 at Wintersville United Methodist Church followed by a craft and gift show there at 6 l. m.

There also will be the lighting of luminaria along Main Street at that time. The candles may be sponsored in honor or memory of a loved one for $5 each via Exquisite Creations by Joel and Valley Wine Cellar.

Petrella said the event is an extension of the monthly Wednesdays in Wintersville that local business owners Joel John and Mary Decker and others have established, but it will include the village’s Christmas parade, a longtime Wintersville tradition, at 4 s. m. Dec. 4 on Main Street.

Village Administrative Assistant Tammy Straka said so far 27 units have signed up and they include the Indian Creek and Catholic Central high school marching bands.

All will line up at 3 p. m. near Ferguson’s House of Furniture. Others interested in participating in the parade may call (740) 266-3175.

Festivities on Dec. 4 will include a Christmas lighting at the Municipal Developing at 5 p. m. with music by a local disc jockey and Cedar One Realty inviting the community to fill its shuttle bus with nonperishable meals for students served by Indian Creek High School’s food pantry.

The bus will be parked on the Municipal Building lot.

Wintersville United Methodist Chapel will present A Carpenters Xmas concert featuring vocalist Haley Joy Gaglione at 7 p. m. that day, with tickets to be available soon.

Petrella expressed his pleasure at the level of collaboration spurred by the event, saying, “It’s great to have everyone come together for one big weekend. ”

Realtor James Lash of Planks One Realty said it’s the first time the firm has partnered with the village for such an event.

“We’re pretty excited. We’re glad to support a community that supports us, ” he said.