A merry Christmas greeting on top of the main gate into the park. (Photo by Art Smith)

PARKERSBURG — For three decades, Holiday in the Park has transformed City Park into — if not a winter wonderland in years when snow is lacking — a Christmastime destination.

The lighted displays were the idea of local insurance agent Dan McPherson, who passed away in May.

“This was his baby. He started it, and I think there were five people the first time they had it,” said Jonelle Crooks-Merritt, secretary of the Holiday in the Park board.

The late McPherson was honored at this year’s opening ceremony for the displays, with a plaque presented to his son, who came in from North Carolina.

Crooks-Merritt became involved in the effort in 1999 when her employer sponsored a display.

A Santa looks around a tree along the route around the park. (Photo by Art Smith)

Many of the displays are sponsored by local businesses or organizations, with the newest a selfie station by Crown Decor & Gifts.

Others include:

* Fire truck, Nemesis Shriners

* Horseshoe Pit, River City Runners and Walkers Club

* Praying hands, Faith Baptist Church

Gears and wheels on an old steam tractor in the park are covered with lights. (Photo by Art Smith)

* Bicycle Santa, Blennerhassett Bicycle Club

* Castle, Shirt Factory & Sporting Goods Inc.

* North Pole workshop, Woodcraft Supply

* 1923 Model T Ford, Pioneer Antique Auto Club

* Gazebo and stocking, Parkersburg Woman’s Club

Candy Canes by Crown Floral. (Photo by Art Smith)

* Airplane, Sheet Metal Workers Local 33

* Lumber truck, Badger Lumber

* Snowman family, Mulberry Lane

* Pretzel tree, Auntie Anne’s and Chik-Fil-A

* Lighthouse, Tri-State Roofing & Sheet Metal Co.

* Peacock, WTAP

* Steam engine, Astorg Auto

* Victorian horse and buggy, Julia-Ann Square Historic District

* Stocking, Community Bank

* Chalet House Collection Building, Tri-State Roofing & Sheet Metal Co.

* Stocking, Parkersburg Bridge Partners

* Stocking and gazebo, State Electric Supply

* Shelter #10 — angels in honor and memory, Relay for Life

* 2016 International dump truck, DeBarr Trucking

* Mary, Joseph and donkey; Trinity Christian Church

* Wreath on band shell, Artsbridge

There are also nearly 60 displays supported by the committee itself.

The lights will remain on from 5:30-9 p.m. through the end of the year. Crooks-Merritt said they usually start pulling cords and taking displays down on New Year’s Day.