Huntington’s 57th Heritage Days is planned for Wednesday, June 16, through Sunday, June 20. The celebration will feature the theme from the event planned for 2020, The ’70s: 200 Years of Freedom.

Heritage Days 2020 were canceled due to COVID-19. All plans for 2021 are tentative and dependent on the health conditions in the community.

Duke Energy is the corporate sponsor for Heritage Days 2021.

A tree, “Ol’ Henry”, at St. Peter’s First Community Church (SPFCC) in Huntington, has been adorned with lights and dozens of handmade snowflakes and hand painted candies.

Ol’ Henry is officially “Ol’ Henry the Christmas Tree.”

All are invited to make use of the tree for Christmas festivities, says Pastor Zen Hess, including but not limited to singing, dancing, fellowshipping, gift-giving, praying and playing.

SPFCC is hosting specific events around the tree throughout the 12 Days of Christmas, spanning from Christmas Day, Dec. 25 to Jan. 5, 2021.

The Parkview Huntington Family YMCA’s preschoolers performed their Christmas programs differently this year.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the hard decision was made to not let anyone into the classrooms during the students’ holiday celebrations.

Educators reimagined the 2020 Christmas program performances, said Karen Teusch, preschool coordinator.

Each class performed their program in their classroom. The performances were recorded and uploaded onto the YMCA’s YouTube page.

Roanoke Elementary School principal Jami Craft dressed as an Elf on the Shelf on Tuesday, Dec. 15, to greet students as they entered the building. Featured is second grader Zayden James checking on Craft.

The Huntington Area Recreational Trails Association (HARTA) held a Christmas lights bike ride on Tuesday, Dec. 15. Featured are participants re-starting their ride after taking a look at the light display at Sunken Gardens in Huntington.

Students and staff at Huntington North High School have been participating in dress-up themes at school to ring in the holiday season. HNHS staff members are (from left) Kelli Dennis, Brenda Turner and Renee Armstrong displaying their reindeer-themed outfits.

Christmas in Our Town participants were able to take a carriage ride around Markle on Friday, Dec. 4, while waiting for the Christmas tree at Veteran’s Park to be lit.

Christmas tree at Markle Veteran’s Park to be lit on Friday, Dec. 4.

A local second-grader won the Mayor’s Annual Christmas Card Contest for 2020.

Brantley Denman from Flint Springs Elementary School was announced Wednesday as this year’s overall winner. The LaFontaine Arts Council selects the winner, and local first- and second-grade elementary students participate in the contest each year.

Mayor Richard Strick on Wednesday presented a certificate to Brantley, who will also receive a framed print of his winning design.

Individual winners from each elementary school that participated include:

Mother-daughter duo Jennifer and Alli Jennings (top photo) dress up as Princess Jennifer and Princess Alli to greet the children of Huntington during a drive-through meet-and-greet at the Huntington County Courthouse on Saturday, Nov. 28. The meet-and-greet also featured characters like Buddy the Elf, Santa, The Grinch and Snoopy.

Employees at The Party Shop (from left) Kennedy Stecher and Jennifer Schroder pass out candy canes to patrons during Christmas In The City on Saturday, Nov. 28.

A drive-through meet-and-greet with Santa and his friends, part of the Christmas in the City celebration, took place at the Huntington County Courthouse on Saturday, Nov. 28 for the children of Huntington. Featured are three drive-through participants (front to back) Christian Stout, Ruthie Stout and Lilly Stout, along with their dog, Gus.

Santa Claus waves to the youngsters at the Christmas in the City celebration. 

Princess Jennifer and Princess Alli chat together while greeting the children of Huntington during the city’s annual Christmas in the City event on Saturday, Nov. 28.

Santa chases down the Grinch, who makes an attempt to steal a bag of toys.