< PreviousPerspectives Perspectives 5 When I first heard that my son’s scout troop was planning a trip to Philmont Scout Ranch, I knew it would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Philmont Scout Ranch, located in the northeastern corner of New Mexico, is one of four Boy Scouts of America High Adventure camps in the U.S. Nestled high in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, a subrange of the southern Rocky Mountains, Philmont provides a unique adventure for scouts who love backpacking in the wilderness, hiking to the tops of mountains, soaking in the beautiful views of mountain trails and having the desire to develop group leadership skills. The experiences at Philmont are so formative that NASA used Philmont to field train the Apollo astronauts. My own brother went to Philmont 15 years ago and still talks about it today. Because I’ve heard the stories of Philmont for over a decade, I needed to tag along with my son’s troop as one of four parent advisors. Little did I know at the time, the boys chose a cavalcade trek, which consisted of eight days on horseback, not the traditional backpacking trek that my brother experienced. My enthusiasm was at its peak once I learned I needed to lose over 30 pounds to comply with the strict weight limit on horseback treks. Both the troop and I spent the year preparing. Troop 905, which is based at Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, worked through the fall of 2020, raking leaves, doing yard clean-ups and holding other fundraisers all over Moon Township to help fund their own travel to and from New Mexico. I, on the other hand, lost 38 pounds. In early August of 2021, we arrived at the Philmont Scout Ranch Welcome Center a few miles outside of Cimarron, New Mexico. Within minutes of arriving, our wranglers, Carson and Alex, introduced themselves. Alex wore a beard, Wrangler jeans and a ten-gallon hat. He started riding horses in North Carolina when he was 4. Carson was an exceptional teacher and accomplished horsewoman from California. They complemented each other well and looked the part of wilderness horsemen. The wranglers’ job is to guide cavalcade crews in the care and feeding of the horses and to lead them along some of the 315 miles of trails within the Philmont Ranch. Our itinerary began 19 miles into the wilderness, at the dead end of a rutted, bumpy and muddy dirt road at the historic northern horse corral at Ponil Camp. At Philmont’s founding in 1938, this camp was the headquarters of the entire reservation. Here, I learned quickly about the “Philmont Way” by trudging my brand-new cowboy boots through the rain, muck and mud of the horse corral. The smell gave obvious clues to the composition of that mud. At Ponil Camp, the scouts learned how to saddle horses, pack workhorses, set up camp, secure food and “smellables” from bears, and how to properly go to the bathroom in the backcountry. This crash course in Philmont procedures quickly became our daily routine on the trek. It was this hard work that truly bonded the boys and adult leaders together into one Philmont family. Each morning thereafter, we crawled out of our tents at about 5:15 a.m. to eat breakfast, load gear on our three pack horses, saddle our own horses, and hit the trails. The crew’s goal was to be on the trail by around 8:15 a.m. for a three- to six- hour, horse-nose-to-horse-tail caravan further into the mountain wilderness. On our second morning at the Pueblano Camp corral, I was holding a lead rope on a packhorse while the boys were loading another with gear. I noticed the horse was becoming agitated and, to settle it, I took the horse for a short walk. A few feet into the walk, a dark shape moved subtly in the woods just across the trail from me. It was a black bear, no more than 20 feet away! Shouting and shaking borrowed trekking poles, the wranglers and crew quickly chased the skittish bear away. It was a sign to not take anything for granted while traveling through Philmont. This wild encounter is one I’ll never forget. We followed scenic trails past fields of sunflowers and thistles, through aspen forests, and alongside a rushing creek, gaining elevation with every step. At one point on the trail, I noticed my son’s horse’s leg was sunk inside a mud puddle and the horse bucked to free itself. As a father, I was worried for my son’s safety. When I talked to him later, he told me that it was better than riding a roller coaster and that he would love to do it all over again. My horse did the same thing later on, but my reaction was not the same. My horse’s back leg sank into the mud up to his hindquarters. As my horse, Whiskey, bucked to free himself, I held onto the saddle horn for dear life! As I was being thrown around I felt certain I was going to fall off the horse, but somehow I managed to stay on. I, for one, would choose a roller coaster over a bucking horse any day of the week. After our daily treks, we would arrive each afternoon at one of the historically themed staffed camps. At the Pueblano Camp, the BY ERIC FOGLE PHOTOS BY CHRIS ROLINSON On a trip with my son’s scout troop to Philmont Scout Ranch, we found out what makes this a preeminent scouting destination 30 • Allegheny West Magazine • November/December 2021 ABOVE: Star rank Scout Andrew Rolinson leads one of three pack horses that accompanied the cavalcade to carry the troop’s gear between campsites. BELOW: Troop 905 scouts and their horse wrangler Alex take a break while waiting to have a “porch talk” with staff at Pueblano Camp. Thaddeus Novak, Scout Troop 905’s chaplain aide, conducts a non-denominational service at the Head of Dean Camp Chapel in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in Northeast New Mexico. Scouts participated in the service as part of their Duty to God requirements. 5 Perspectives Perspectives boys hewed railroad ties with broad axes. At Miranda Camp, tomahawks were thrown and black-powder rifles were shot. On the last evening, the boys put together an interfaith service at the small yet scenic chapel at the mountaineering camp Head of Dean. Each camp had their own unique characteristics that were fun to explore and each generated their own unique stories about this stunning place. The highlight of the entire trek was our hike on foot to the summit of Mount Baldy. Towering at 12,441 feet above sea level, it is the highest elevation in Philmont. The trail to the summit was some of the most barren and rocky terrain I have ever hiked. It is so devoid of life that in 1964 astronauts practiced how to study lunar geology there. The final few hundred vertical feet were the hardest. Climbing up the loose shale rock trail into the thin air made for a difficult finish. My son was kind enough to stop frequently to allow me to catch up on the way to the summit. Once we crossed the threshold to the top, the 360-degree view of the Philmont wilderness and miles beyond was incredible. Sustained 50 mile-per-hour winds welcomed us when we reached the summit. With a death grip, I held onto my cell phone while taking photos and videos. The pinnacle was one of the few places cell service was available. My son called his uncle, who reached the same summit on his trek 15 years ago. It was a touching moment that they both will share together forever. Our crew split into two parts for the trek back down the mountain. One group needed to return to our campsite. The other moved down the trails on the backside of Baldy Mountain. The plan was for both groups to circle around the base of the mountain and meet at French Henry mining camp later in the afternoon. The group heading down the backside of the mountain descended too fast, however, and soon began to suffer from acute mountain sickness, also known as altitude sickness. I was fortunate to avoid it by taking the slow route down the mountain. My son was not so lucky. Despite an upset stomach of his own, he did manage to hold himself together. He even helped the other five members of his party, including two adult leaders, filter water and keep everyone hydrated for the rest of the descent to the campsite. Needless to say, the groups missed the rendezvous, but I was proud to hear of my son’s leadership and perseverance on that tough journey. On our final day on the cavalcade trek, everyone learned how to trot and lope, which is a pace somewhere between a trot and gallop. This prepared the boys to show off their horse-riding skills in Gymkhana, a Philmont-style competition against another Cavalcade trek. It was a friendly scrimmage for the scouts to show what they learned through timed navigations of barrel obstacles and relay races. The boys swept victory in every category and won two watermelons, one of which was happily shared with the competition. The scouts and advisors were thoroughly exhausted after a long week. It was a quiet bus ride on the arid, dusty and rutted 19-mile dirt road back to camping headquarters. The memories formed on this expedition will be with us forever. Setting aside a few early travel challenges, head butting and bucking horses, altitude sickness, and countless minor bumps and bruises, we gained many fun stories to tell. Perhaps in the future, my son and members of his troop will have an opportunity to trek back to Philmont with their own sons and daughters to make more timeless memories for yet another generation. November/December 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 31 ABOVE: The cavalcade crew consisted of two horse wranglers, four adult advisors, eight scouts and 17 horses. It covered more than 50 miles over nine days on horseback and foot. BELOW: Troop 905 scouts and leaders climbed to the top of Mt. Baldy. At 12,441 feet above sea level, the sustained winds were over 50 miles per hour as they rushed over the mountain top and into the valley below.Local Light-Ups Laser Light Shows North Park Dec. 1-22 | Multiple times nightly Celebrate the holidays with this one-of-a-kind drive- in laser show at North Park. You’ll be dazzled by a 45-minute show synchronized with holiday music - all from the comfort of your own vehicle. Multiple sessions take place every night. Tickets are $20 to $25 per vehicle and must be purchased in advance. Proceeds benefit the Kane Foundation. Purchase tickets at alleghenycounty.us/lasershow. Moon Lights Holiday Festival Moon Park Dec. 4 | 5-7:30 p.m. Head to Moon Park for this special annual holiday celebration. Enjoy performances by local dancers and musicians. Check out food trucks, craft vendors, games and Santa Claus, who will ride into Moon Park atop a firetruck at 5:30 p.m. to light the park’s Christmas Tree at the Rotary Pavilion. Santa will be available for photos and visits with children and families after the lighting. Be sure to also bring your letters for Santa to drop in his mailbox. Plans are to bring back the Yuletide Village again this year. Visit www.moonparks.org for more. What to do in and around the area this holiday season Holiday Happenings Guide All events subject to change. Check the contact information listed for the latest details. Please follow all CDC guidelines regarding COVID-19 when attending any event. Christmas Light-Up Celebration Clinton Park Nov. 20-Jan. 2 | 5-10 p.m. nightly Stop out any night starting Nov. 20 between 5-10 p.m. for a scenic drive through Clinton Community Park’s woodlands section. The area will be decked out with hundreds of lighted decorations in a variety of themes appropriate for the season. The $10 entry fee per car is payable in cash at the gate and benefits a variety of needs in the community. Local organizations, businesses and residents also sponsor a Christmas tree display at the end. The entrance to the light-up is located along Route 30 in Clinton, not far from the Clinton Exit off I-376. The light-up celebrates its 27th year this season. Clinton residents Patty and Lloyd Faux have been organizing the effort each year and get help from volunteers who generously donate their time starting in September to get the light-up prepared. For more, follow the Christmas Light Up on Facebook: @ChristmasLightUpCelebration. The Christmas Light-Up in Clinton Park is a drive-through light-up following a one-mile route. McDonald Community Holiday Light-Up Night, Nov. 27, 6 p.m., town center, www.mcdonaldtrailstation.com/events.php. Robinson’s Christmas Light Up, Dec. 3, 6:30 p.m., Clever Park, fireworks, Santa and Mrs. Claus letters to Santa, townshipofrobinson.com. Collier Township Light Up Night, Dec. 3, 6-8 p.m., Collier Community Center, learn how other countries celebrate Christmas, light refreshments and crafts, free, all ages, (724) 693.0780. North Fayette Tree Lighting, Dec. 3, 6:30 p.m., Donaldson Park, outdoor event, dress accordingly, tree lighting, holiday music, light refreshments, Santa, limited attendance, masking required, www.north- fayette.com/335/Parks-Recreation. More Area Light Ups! Crescent Parks and Rec. Holiday Luminary Sale Moon and Crescent residents won’t have to go anywhere for a special light-up this Christmas Eve. Both townships will be lit up with hundred of luminaries at dusk and Crescent Township Parks and Recreation is selling sets to get residents ready. A set of 10 luminaries are available for $15 and there are several options for ordering. Find Crescent Township Parks and Recreation on Facebook and download the order form, or order using PayPal. Forms are also available at Bosetti’s Hardware, the Crescent Township Municipal Building and Dan’s Automotive. Orders will taken as well at the Christmas in Crescent event Dec. 11 (see page 37). Pickups will be at the Crescent Township Municipal Building on Dec. 15 from noon to 6 p.m. and on Dec. 16 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Have a question? Email: parksandrec@crescenttownship.org. 32 • Allegheny West Magazine • November/December 2021November/December 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 33Stop by Inches’ Nursery for fresh-cut trees, wreaths and more. Swing by during their holiday parties for some holiday activities. Bedner’s Farm and Greenhouse 315 Coleman Road, McDonald Christmas Open House - Nov. 20 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Located just outside of McDonald, Bedner’s is a go-to for many locals’ landscaping, plant and gardening needs. Last year, the garden center stayed open for the first time through the holiday season. This year, Bedner’s is doing the same and kicking the season off with a special Christmas Open House event with door prizes, food trucks, yard games, live music, cocoa, cookies and more. The rest of the holiday season they’ll be offering a variety of crafting workshops on wreath making, centerpiece design, swag crafting and more. For additional information, including regular business hours, classes and events, visit shopbedners.com or call (724) 926-2541. Christmas trees, holiday greens, crafts and gifts Need a special gift for a loved one or some seasonal decorations to spruce up the home? How about a tree that you can cut yourself? Then check out these venues and special holiday events. Please visit the websites of the businesses listed for their regular hours outside of the events mentioned. Inches Nursery 1005 Stoops Ferry Road, Moon Township Holiday Parties - Nov. 27 and Dec. 4 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Located at the corner of Flaugherty Run Road and Stoops Ferry Road in Moon Township, Inches Nursery is a longtime area staple. The business got its start in 1964 selling flowers and has grown over time into a full-service nursery and garden center. It’s still a close-knit, family-owned business, however, and one of its annual traditions is its holiday parties. Each year, the nursery welcomes in community members for festive activities, including refreshments and a visit with Santa. It’s a highlight of the year for the Inches family and garden center manager Sharon Pegher. While you’re there, check out their assortment of fresh-cut Christmas trees, handmade wreaths and bows, grave blankets, holiday decor, Poinsettias and more. The parties are free, but please consider donating an unopened child’s gift, as Inches will be holding a collection for the Crescent Township Police Department’s Santa Cop program to benefit local children in need. Visit www.inchesnursery.com or call (724) 457-7236 for more information and regular business hours. Janoski’s Farm 1714 Route 30, Clinton Christmas Open House - Dec. 4-5 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Visit Janoski’s Farm in Clinton and peruse a large selection of holiday decor, gifts and activities. While you’re there, be sure to pick up a poinsettia and warm up at the hot chocolate bar in the garden center. Then head upstairs to check out their country gift shop, where everything is 10% off and they offer free gift wrapping. There will also be visits with Santa, kids’ crafts, craft vendors and more. Check out some specials in the farm market while you’re there. If you want to make a toy donation, the farm is accepting new children’s toys up through Nov. 30. For more, including regular business hours, visit janoskis.com/upcoming or call (724) 899-3438. Moon Township Garden Club’s Greens and Things Sale Robin Hill Center 949 Thorn Run Road, Moon Township Dec. 4 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Drop by the Robin Hill Center at Robin Hill Park before the Moon Lights Holiday Festival (see page 32) and check out the Moon Township Garden Club’s Greens and Things Sale. This annual one-day sale features unique, handcrafted holiday decorations, including wreaths, garlands, centerpieces and other items crafted from artificial and fresh greenery. Items sold at the sale are created by garden club members and all of the holiday decorations are one-of-a-kind creations. A gift boutique sale also includes homemade cookies and other unique gifts. Proceeds benefit the club’s various philanthropic efforts. The club will be following COVID-19 guidelines from the CDC and the Allegheny County Health Department. Visit the club’s Facebook page and website, moontownshipgardenclub.com, for more. This is a one-day event. Moon Township Garden Club members hand-craft these festive holiday decorations and will be selling them Dec. 4. 34 • Allegheny West Magazine • November/December 2021November/December 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 35 Cut-your-own Christmas trees Prefer to cut down your own tree? Then check out these venues, where you can fell a fir yourself starting Nov. 26, the day after Thanksgiving. Hozak Farms 488 Anderson Hozak Road, Clinton Saws are provided to visitors who can either take a hayride or walk with a tree cart any time between 10 a.m.-5 p.m. to fell the fir of their choosing. Hozak’s also offers pre-cut trees, fresh wreaths, white pine roping, and bundles of fresh boughs. While you’re there, check out the giant Christmas Barn, with its dozens of decorated trees, craft and gift items, candles, Santas, Steeler decorations, wine accessories and more. Visitors chilled from a trek to the tree field can warm up with hot cocoa and spiced cider. On weekends, guests can enjoy Hozak’s famous hot dogs and kielbasa. Hozak’s is open most days. Visit www.hozakfarms. com or call (724) 899-2400 for hours and more. Allison’s Christmas Trees 121 Allison Lane, Aliquippa Located in Raccoon Township, Beaver County, Allison’s Christmas Trees will be welcoming visitors out to select and cut the tree of their choice. There will also be hayrides while a cozy Christmas barn on the property offers live wreaths and other holiday decor, as well as fudge, hot beverages and many other gift items. Call (724) 495-2680 for more information. November/December 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 35Visits with Santa, cookie walks, concerts and more St. Matrona Ladies’ Society Virtual Cookie Walk Order by Nov. 21 | Pickup Dec. 11 The St. Matrona Ladies’ Society is going virtual with its annual cookie walk this year. Order your delicious confectioneries online at www.stmatronacookiewalk.com and then pick up Dec. 11 between 9 a.m. at 12 p.m. at the St. Peter and St. Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Carnegie at 220 Mansfield Boulevard. Echo Valley Bluegrass Concert 119 Station St., McDonald Nov. 20 | 7 p.m. Head to the McDonald Presbyterian Church’s Trinity Center Sanctuary for this lively, animated performance from five sisters and a brother who will impress with their tight harmonies and multi-instrument talents. Entry fee is $8 for adults. Ages 18 and under are free. Visit www.mcdonaldpres.org for more. Imperial VFD Holiday Shopping Extravaganza Imperial VFD, 111 Pine Street, Imperial Nov. 27 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Take a break from the shopping centers on Black Friday weekend and drive over to Imperial, where the Imperial VFD will be hosting an array of vendors and crafters in its massive fire hall. Visit www.imperialvfd.org for more. Interested in being a vendor? Email imperialvfdcraftshow@gmail.com. Moonlight and Cocoa Pittsburgh Botanic Garden Dec. 2, 3, 4 | 5:30-9 p.m. Stroll the gardens and woodlands of Pittsburgh Botanic Garden for a magical winter night. See the lights and colorful displays in the Garden of the Five Senses as you make your way to the Lotus Pond surrounded by 1,000 luminarias. Visit PittsburghBotanicGarden.org or call (412) 444-4464 to pre-purchase your timed tickets for this event. Tickets are $15 for members and $20 for nonmembers. Children ages 13 and under are $5. Coraopolis Presbyterian Church Living Nativity 1201 Fifth Ave., Coraopolis Dec. 3 | 7-9 p.m. This year will mark the 51st for the Coraopolis Presbyterian Church’s Living Nativity, which will once again take place on the church’s front lawn along 5th Avenue in downtown Coraopolis. This particular Nativity even features live animals. Visit coraopolispresbyterian.com for more. Christmas in Coraopolis VFW Post 402 Dec. 4 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Head to Keith-Holmes VFW Post 402 in downtown Coraopolis for the Coraopolis United Methodist Church 9th Annual Cookie Sale on Dec. 4. Fill a to-go with 12 cookies for $10 or 60 cookies for $40 - payable with cash or check. Also be sure to take away a kid’s activity bag. Then head outside to check out the festively decorated shop windows and more fun on Mulberry Street, including caroling, visits with Santa and more. Moon Twp. Garden Club’s Greens and Things Sale Robin Hill Center Dec. 4 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. See page 34 for details. Kennedy VFD Pancake Breakfast Kennedy VFD Dec. 12 | TBA More details will be forthcoming about the Kennedy VFD’s annual holiday pancake breakfast. Check kennedyvfd.us for the latest. The Pittsburgh Botanic Garden lights up at night for Moonlight and Cocoa. 36 • Allegheny West Magazine • November/December 2021Andrew Carnegie Performing Arts Production of “The Nutcracker” Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall Dec. 11, 18 | 8 p.m. Dec. 12, 19 | 2 p.m. The Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall’s presentation of “The Nutcracker” is a holiday tradition that started 46 years ago. The production features dancers from many community dance schools. Performers from age 5 to adult round out the cast of swirling snowflakes and candy flowers. Last year, the performance went virtual but this year audiences are being welcomed back to view the performance. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Prices are $20 for adults and $18 for seniors and children. There will also be an option to view the performance afterwards via Vimeo for $30. Visit www. carnegieperformingartscenter.com for more. The West Hills Symphonic Band will perform Dec. 5 at Montour High School. PHOTO BY MICHAEL HOLL PHOTOGRAPHY Andrew Carnegie Performing Arts welcomes back audiences this year for its production of “The Nutcracker.” West Hills Symphonic Band Concert Montour High School Dec. 5 | 3 p.m. The West Hills Symphonic Band is comprised of community members, including a number of professional musicians, who perform because they love to play. The band returns to Montour this year for its holiday concert, which is titled “HOPE for the Holidays.” Enjoy some joyous sounds of the season at this holiday show, including beloved carols, holiday classics and secular favorites. It’ll help you rediscover your Christmas spirit. Attendees must wear masks. The concert is free with donations graciously accepted. Visit www.whsb.org for more. Christmas in Crescent 1370 Riverview Rd., Crescent Dec. 11 | 5 p.m. Crescent Township is kicking off a new tradition this year. On Dec. 11, the Crescent Township Parks and Recreation Board and the Crescent VFD will host its First Annual Christmas Night with Santa at the end of Riverview Road, not far from Shouse Park. Festivities start up at 5 p.m. in the township’s brand new gazebo, where jolly old St. Nick will arrive at 6:45 p.m. to greet children and help ring in the holiday season. The Moon Area High School Band will also be on hand to play some holiday favorites. Food and refreshments will be sold until 9 p.m. Luminary kits to be lit on Christmas Eve will be on sale as well (cash only). Have a question? Email: parksandrec@crescenttownship.org November/December 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 3738 • Allegheny West Magazine • November/December 2021 The holiday season is an especially joyful time in Steubenville, Ohio, where nutcrackers, model trains, StoryWalks, and glorious lights have made visiting the city a holiday tradition for many families. Beginning Nov. 26 and extending through the beginning of the new year, the historic downtown is transformed into the Steubenville Nutcracker Village, with over 180 life-sized Nutcrackers that inhabit the sidewalks, parks and storefronts, 24/7. Each unique nutcracker, designed and produced by local artisans at Nelson’s of Steubenville, depicts a character from history, literature, music, popular culture or profession. Meet Rosie the Riveter, Jack Frost and all the Rat Pack personalities while taking memorable selfies to send home. Chief designer Therese Fedoryka says she is enthusiastic for this seventh year of the event. “Our latest addition to the collection, a dazzling Peacock Nutcracker, was designed by Sonya Godfrey for our first nutcracker competition and will be revealed at the start of the season! We’re looking forward to the continuation of many holiday traditions here, such as hayrides, the Children’s Corner and a Nutcracker StoryWalk organized by the Jefferson County Public Library, as well as some new additions to the festival that will be announced soon!” To add to the celebration, on four weekend evenings there will be a light and music show at the Jefferson County Courthouse on Market Street. Historic churches and buildings in town will light up for the season and offer special tours and concerts. Historic Fort Steuben - at 120 S. 3rd Street - also hosts Christmas at the Fort, with colorful walkways of light, music, nutcrackers and fairy tale figures surrounding a spectacular 32-foot Christmas tree in Fort Steuben Park. The Advent Market, open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 26 to Dec. 19, features decorated booths with vendors selling crafts, food and souvenirs with choral groups filling the air with song. The Holly Trolley carries passengers around the town to see the splendid churches and some of the 25 murals for which the city is famous. The reconstructed Fort Steuben is open for tours and the Christmas Shop in the Fort Steuben Visitor Center carries a variety of gifts, books and mementos. The Model Railroad Display, located just a few blocks from the center of town at 248 N. 4th Street, will be open on weekends presenting a massive, detailed exhibit of an industrial Ohio Valley landscape with detailed bridges, factories, creeks, buildings and mountains. O-gauge model trains go “clickety-clacking” through it all. For those who enjoy winter hikes, Beatty Park on Lincoln Avenue has trails through this historic nature preserve. A Christmas at the Park event on Dec. 4 will include a Nativity, community choir, holiday hikes/rides to the old holiday-decorated Steubenville Nutcracker Village Downtown Steubenville|Nov. 26-Jan. 8 Oglebay Festival of Lights Oglebay Park|Through Jan. 9, nightly at dusk One of the nation’s largest holiday light shows, this attraction covers 300 acres over a six-mile drive and includes 90 lighted displays. Admission is free, though a donation of $25 per vehicle is suggested. The display is located at Oglebay Park at 465 Lodge Drive,in Wheeling, West Virginia. For more information, call (877) 436-1797 or visit oglebay.com/lights. Day Trip Light-Ups Hop in the car and make a day of checking out these light-ups. stone lodge, campfires, and a blacksmith who will be sharing pioneer and historical stories. Earlier that day, the annual Eastern Gateway Community College Sights and Sounds of Christmas Parade will bring floats, marching bands, classic cars and dance troupes down Fourth Street. For more information on the Nutcracker Village, go to www. SteubenvilleNutcrackerVillage.com. For Christmas in Steubenville, visit www. VisitSteubenville.com or call (740) 283.4935. Life-sized nutcrackers stand at attention throughout downtown Steubenville, Ohio during the holidays, starting Nov. 26. Next >