Wondering who is going to be at tonight’s 14^th Annual Light Up Night in downtown Bridgeport.

 

Officials involved with the Associated Businesses of Bridgeport that are responsible for the event have released the list of those setting up shop. And it’s a pretty massive group.

 

“It’s a record turnout. Usually, we have in the high 30s as far as participants,” said ABB Board member Doug Marquette. “This year it’s at 52, which is a sizable increase and we hope everyone comes out and takes advantage of the fun what’s being offered.”

 

The 52 represents businesses that are members of the ABB as well as non-profit agencies and churches. Marquette, who has been with the event from the start and a board member for more than 10 years, says part of the growth of the numbers is the result of the growth of Bridgeport’s businesses – particularly in the downtown area.

 

“I think part of it is the development in and around Main Street. You’ve got the new Spadafore Insurance Group and My Little Cupcake together and Mountain River Physical Therapy at The Square at Bridgeport that have come aboard,” said Marquette. “These businesses are proud to be part of the community and they, like the others, do this as a way to give back to the community.”

 

Light Up Night celebrates the lighting of the City of Bridgeport Christmas Tree, which takes place right around 7 p.m. City crews will begin closing off Main Street at 5:30 p.m. (CLICK HERE FOR TRAFFIC DETAILS) and the actual festivities will begin right after 6 p.m. with local elementary school choirs performing, as well as other musical groups.

 

Throughout the event, which will end prior to 9 p.m., the 50-plus business will be giving out treats all up and down Main Street. The businesses will be situated from near the Benedum Civic Center all the past Center Street and ending near the Cava and Banko Building.

 

“The real heroes of the night are the businesses and groups willing to give of their time and treasure in order to give back to the community and say thank you,” said Marquette. “I’m saying most are spending anywhere between $250 and $500 and some much more. You multiply that by 52 and it’s a big investment and one each group would tell you is worth it.”

 

What’s that money spent on?

 

“There’s going to be treats for everyone, and I mean a lot of treat including cookies, donuts, cobbler, hot dogs, kettle korn, hot chocolate and more,” said Marquette. “Some groups hand out trinkets and toys for the kids. There’s just so much that people receive, but the one thing we guarantee spectators will get are memories.”

 

A couple of the big highlights beyond the food, music and tree lighting are also back. Santa Claus is scheduled to make an appearance and the evening will be capped off with fireworks.

 

Here’s a list of the groups participating provided by Marquette. Be sure and support them all year.

 

My Little Cupcake, Starving Artists, Landmark Realty, All Saints Catholic Church, Girls on the Run of North Central WV, West Virginia Junior College, Dan Riggs Garage and Towing, Cava and Banko, Bridgeport ATA Martial Arts, Dave'sFamousT&LHotdogs, Bridgeport Farmers Market Spadafore Insurance, Venture Real Estate Kaufman Realty & Auctions, Meadowbrook Church of Christ, Della's Deli, Homefinders Plus, Fairmont Federal FCU, Best Western, Bridgeport Conference Center, Harrison City, WIC Program, CEC, Travis Miller Attorney, Simpson Creek Baptist, Mainstreet Fitness, Bridgeport Physical Therapy, Marquette Insurance, Jessica Orrahood Senior Audiology, Mia Margherita, RCB National Aerospace Educational Center, Hearing Solutions Services, Inc., State Farm Scott Smith Halstead Insurance, Mountain River Physical Therapy, Dynamic Physical Therapy, Lifeway Bible Church, Kids Give Back (Ashley Hotsinpiller), Order of Eastern Star Queen Esther #11, Church of Jesus Christ LDS, Literacy Volunteers of Harrison County, Simpson Creek Baptist Church, Grace Baptist Church, Bridgeport Church of Christ, Rotary, Expressions Hair Design, Bonamico Construction, Ford Funeral Home, About You Monograms, GAL Land, Pack 39 Cub Scouts, Troop 40 Boy Scouts, City of Bridgeport, and Greater Bridgeport Convention & Visitors Bureau and Connect-Bridgeport.com.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows City Manager Kim Haws and Fred Burton making up a batch of their famous donuts that usually draws a long line, while the highly popular kettle korn is shown in the second photo. Below, Santa Claus took a second last year to pose for a photo with Mayor Andy Lang. Photos by www.benqueenphotography.com.