MARTINS FERRY — Martins Ferry city workers hung Christmas decorations Tuesday, responding to public calls to make the Purple City merry.

Mayor John Davies explained in a Facebook post that Project Forward, the Lions Club and the chamber of commerce office used to decorate the uptown area. Davies said he had trouble finding all of the decorations this year and did not know where the organizations stored the items.

The decorations hung Tuesday included holiday-themed banners purchased by area businesses a few years ago, as well as Christmas wreaths and strings of light wrapped around the light posts.

“The flags started being used a few years back because the wreaths were older and falling apart, and due to the repairs needed, they went to the wayside,” Davies said.

Davies announced Monday that he had located some of the older decorations, but the decorations used to hang on the same hooks as flower pots, and those hooks have since been discarded.

“We will do the best we can with what we have available this year,” he said.

Davies also posted a message on Facebook on Monday asking if anyone would like to donate a Christmas tree for the park at the corner of Fifth and Hanover streets. He said the support from residents was overwhelming.

“I know I have said this many times, but I’m so proud of our citizens,” Davies said.

Multiple people responded, offering to donate Christmas trees and lights to decorate the park.

Davies also said he received a message from Martins Ferry High School Principal Joe Mamone, saying the high school students offered to help out with the decorations for the tree.

Davies said he hopes the Christmas trees will be up in the uptown park on Thursday.

“I would like to thank our employees, Mr. Mamone and his students and our citizens for coming together to make this happen on short notice,” Davies said.

“Thank you once again, Martins Ferry, for making this happen,” he posted.

He said he is “beyond proud” of the residents and students of Martins Ferry.

Davies said he is already planning for next year so that the city will not run into the same issues.

“We will have a committee for the 4th of July and Christmas festivities and decorations next year so different entities can participate through communication and projects,” he said.

For more information, call the mayor’s office at 740-633-2876 or follow Davies on Facebook.