ELKINS — Our Town Inc. has come up with a new way to support the “Merry Mountain Christmas in Elfkins” event.

A group of community volunteers from the Elkins Mayor’s Office, Old Brick Playhouse, Augusta, Elkins Main Street, Our Town Inc., Davis & Elkins College, and the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber have joined forces with downtown businesses to plan a slate of activities from Dec. 2 to Dec. 24. Mayor Jerry Marco announced he will officially rename the city “Elfkins” during the month of December.

Our Town, Inc. is now asking residents to create an Elfkins’ Hat and/or Sweater to display in downtown Elfkins for the Christmas parade and throughout the holiday season.

The cutouts of hats and sweaters to be decorated can be picked up this weekend at the Delmonte Market, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

“Our Town volunteers know this is a very short timeline but hope the community will participate to help us prepare Elfkins, as Mayor Jerry Marco will proclaim our town’s name for the holiday, with decorations,” said Our Town President Tammy Dolly.

Those participating are asked to please return their completed products to the Delmonte Market on Friday, Nov. 25 or Saturday, Nov. 26 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., or any day before that. Saturday, Nov. 26 is the absolute latest deadline to submit creations. Nothing can be accepted after that date at 5 p.m.

If, for some reason, you do not finish your hat or sweater cut out, please return the materials to the Delmonte. The materials are purchased by Our Town and are being provided to the public at no cost.

The following instructions will be provided by Our Town:

“Paint the item or items you have chosen on both sides and around the edges to prevent water seepage into the wood. If you chose to use a different covering please remember it must be waterproof and withstand winter weather.

“Your piece will be numbered. Do not paint over the number. It would be easier to keep the number on the back side.

“Paint or cover both sides, but you only need to decorate one side. Paint the back in a complimentary color.

“Some people like to put three dimensional items on their creations. Unfortunately, they are often removed and ruin the look of the end product. Carefully consider this option. Sorry, we cannot be responsible for hats or sweaters after they are placed downtown.”

Another new event was announced this week, the Mountain Memories Pajama Night in Elfkins, set for Friday, Dec. 16 from 5-7 p.m. in Bialek Station Square.

Participants are encouraged to bring family and friends and wear Christmas pajamas (optional, but encouraged). Enjoy hot chocolate, caroling and picture opportunities with the Grinch, Buddy the Elf and Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

Sponsors for the event are Beanders, Citizens Promoting Community, Delmonte Market, Legacy Insurance and Our Town, Inc. For more information, call 304-636-0415.

The first scheduled event for “Merry Mountain Christmas in Elfkins” will be on Dec. 2, when the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber hosts its annual “Jingle All the Way Christmas Parade.” Following the parade, the community will gather with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Elkins Railroad Depot for the official Christmas Tree Lighting.