Bpowell@dominionpost.com
BLACKSVILLE — Tucked into the western edge of Monongalia County, the Town of Blacksville may not always appear on the regional map of attention, but for those who know it, this small community carries a big heart. It’s a place where neighbors look out for one another, where kindness seems built into the town’s foundation, and where support for Clay-Battelle High School runs as deep as local tradition.
That pride was unmistakable Sunday evening at the town’s third annual Christmas Tree Lighting outside the Blacksville Public Library along the Mason-Dixon Highway. Despite the cold temperatures and persistent wind, residents bundled up and filled the grounds, eager not only to welcome the holiday season but also to celebrate a historic moment for their hometown team.
Just a day earlier, the Clay-Battelle Cee Bees football program accomplished something it never had before — defeating Cameron High School in the Class A semifinals and punching its first-ever ticket to the State Championship game in Charleston. Several players were invited to help “flip the switch” and illuminate the town tree, a moment that brought together two of Blacksville’s strongest traditions: community pride and unwavering support for student athletes.
For sophomore player Caleb Hall, the turnout meant more than just holiday cheer.
“I mean, community is everything,” Hall said. “They’ve been the backbone. Without them, most of this wouldn’t have been possible. So just coming out here and having fun with them and supporting them is amazing for us.”
Hot chocolate and cookies offered by Blacksville Methodist Church kept guests warm as families moved inside the library, where Santa and Mrs. Claus posed for photos and listened to children’s early Christmas wishes. Kids wrote letters to Santa while adults caught up with familiar neighbors, building the kind of Sunday-night gathering that feels uniquely Blacksville.
This year’s tree — a donation from the Shiler family — stood decorated with ornaments brought by residents, many of them honoring loved ones. The memorial display shimmered in the wind, a quiet reminder of the town’s deep sense of connection.
Mayor Mary Dean couldn’t help but smile as she watched the crowd mingle with the championship-bound athletes.
“I just think everybody’s so proud of them,” she said. “It’s like, let’s shut the town down—we’re all going to Charleston Friday. Good bunch of boys. Nice boys.”
In a season already filled with anticipation, Sunday’s gathering felt like the perfect blend of hometown tradition and shared celebration—a small community, once again, showing up for one another when it matters most.
