The Inter-Mountain photo by Taylor McKinnie Douglas K. Weese, left, CEO and President of Mountain Valley Bank in Elkins; Rachel Hayes, center, CEO of Davis Trust Company; and Elkins Mayor Jerry Marco display new leaf light fixtures to be installed along Davis Avenue for the 87th Mountain State Forest Festival.

ELKINS — A total of 30 decorative light fixtures are being along Davis Avenue for the 87th Mountain State Forest Festival, after the project received financial backing from two local banks, officials said.

On Sept. 10, the City of Elkins announced and showcased leaf-shaped light fixtures that will “soon glow with a new display of autumn charm” for this year’s Mountain State Forest Festival.

Thirty of the light fixtures, which glow orange, red, green and yellow, will be installed along Davis Avenue, “enhancing the festive atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.”

The project was funded by Davis Trust Company and Mountain Valley Bank. Elkins Mayor Jerry Marco was joined in showcasing the new light fixtures by Rachel Hayes, the CEO of Davis Trust Company, and CEO and Douglas K. Weese, the President of Mountain Valley Bank in Elkins.

“The Forest Festival is a cherished tradition that showcases the very best of Elkins and the Mountain State,” Marco said. “These beautiful new lights are more than just decorations; they are a symbol of our community’s spirit and a warm, glowing welcome to all who visit.

“We are incredibly grateful to Davis Trust Company and Mountain Valley Bank for their investment in making our city shine even brighter this season.”

In a City of Elkins press release, officials from both banks expressed their pride in contributing to a project that will “help make Elkins’ premier event one even more festive.”

“Davis Trust Company is deeply rooted in Elkins, and we are always looking for ways to support initiatives that enhance our city’s unique character and vitality,” Hayes said. “We hope these beautiful lights will add to the magic of the Forest Festival for years to come.”

“Mountain Valley Bank is thrilled to partner in bringing this beautiful project to life,” Weese said. “The Forest Festival is a point of pride for all of us, and we are committed to supporting efforts that boost community pride and economic vitality in the region we call home.”

The 30 light fixtures are scheduled to be installed prior to the first day of the Forest Festival, Sept. 27, “ensuring Davis Avenue is transformed with new autumn glow for the festival’s kickoff,” the release states.