FirstEnergy and Mon Power Light Up Summersville with Holiday Display

More than 700 people descended on Nicholas County Veterans Memorial Park in Summersville, West Virginia, on Dec. 2 to enjoy holiday festivities and witness the lighting of a professionally designed light display awarded to the city by FirstEnergy Corp., parent company of Mon Power.

The display is part of FirstEnergy’s "Light Up Holiday Smiles with FirstEnergy" program, which is helping make the season brighter and merrier with the gift of holiday lights for three  deserving communities across FirstEnergy's six-state service area.

The city of Summersville typically hosts its Christmas parade on the first Friday of December followed by a celebration at its downtown pavilion featuring an appearance by Santa Claus. This year, the city moved the party to Nicholas County Veterans Memorial Park, where it chose to locate the light display, which was designed by Summersville-based Peak Utility Construction to resemble a holiday-themed train set.

The event at the 70-acre park featured Santa and Mrs. Claus, carols by the Nicholas County High School choir, horse-drawn wagon rides, fire pits and smores, cookies and hot cocoa, and a decorated United States Postal Service truck where children could write a letter to Santa on provided card stock. A Mon Power utility truck decked out in holiday lights added to the festive occasion. 

“Our team has truly enjoyed working with your community leaders, and we hope this spectacular lighting display brightens everyone’s spirits and warms hearts throughout this holiday season,” John Norman, a regional external affairs consultant with FirstEnergy, told the audience. Summersville Mayor Robert Shafer then plugged in the light display to cheers, applause and a chorus of sirens from several local fire trucks.

“Well before this project, FirstEnergy has been an excellent community partner for the city of Summersville and Nicholas County, and this is just a small token of how much they do for this community,” Nicholas County Commissioner Garrett Cole told the crowd. “I’m glad to see such a good turnout to show FirstEnergy our gratitude.”

CONTACT:  Will Boye, (301) 790-6420