A 4-foot tall silver star was installed on top of the Parkersburg Christmas tree Wednesday. It was designed by city Engineer Adam Stout and constructed by public works personnel. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — A silver star was installed on top of the Parkersburg Christmas tree Wednesday.

The structure was designed by city Engineer Adam Stout and constructed by public works personnel, according to Mayor Tom Joyce.

The star is 4 feet tall by 4 feet wide. It sits atop a 22-foot tall tree between the Municipal Building and the Wood County Courthouse.

The lights will be turned on at 6 p.m. Saturday as a part of Winterfest.

“It’s a nice deal. We’ll see how it looks with the lights on Saturday night,” Joyce said.

Downtown PKB will host several winter-themed events Saturday. At 11:30 a.m., the Smoot Theatre will be screening the movie “Frozen.” Tickets can be purchased through the theather’s website, https://tinyurl.com/4bakb3a8. After the film, Elsa will meet visitors.

The Christmas parade will follow at 2 p.m. The route will start at 13th and Market streets and continue to spread cheer down Market to Bicentennial Park.

Winterfest will kick off at 4:30 at the park with activities such as drawings by local artist JD Williamson, a S.T.E.M. activity from Discovery World on Market, visits with Santa, train rides and live performances from local dance groups. Food trucks Sips Coffee Truck and White Valley Kettle Corn will also be present.

“It’s always fun to watch the kids visit with Santa and enjoy the activities,” said Jessica Strickler, events and marketing manager for Downtown PKB.

At 6 p.m., the tree lighting ceremony will start. The winner of the Christmas parade will be announced, and Winterfest royalty will be named. Then the tree will be it. Fireworks shot off the city building conclude the ceremony.

A concert at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church will serve as the night’s finale. The Parkersburg Choral Society, Parkersburg High School Chamber Choir, Parkersburg South Madrigals and Smoot Theatre children’s choirs are among the groups performing.

Local museums will also be open Saturday. The Cook House at 1301 Murdoch Ave. will be open 3 p.m.to 5 p.m with free admission. Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History at 137 Juliana St. will be open from 11 a.m. until 6:30 p.m, with admission $4 for adults and $2 for kids 3-12. The Oil & Gas Museum, 119 Third St., is open noon to 6:30 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and free for kids 18 and under plus veterans.

In addition, the Mid-Ohio Valley Model Railroad Club will set up shop in the rear basement of NOE Office Equipment at 610 Green St. Admission is free and will feature an O-scale model of the Polar Express.

Kristen Hainkel can be reached at khainkel@newsandsentinel.com