PARKERSBURG - The Downtown Farmers' Marketplace opened Friday to a crowd of shoppers.
Hundreds of people gathered at Bicentennial Park to shop with more than a dozen vendors offering flowers, produce, baked goods and other items.
"We've had a good turnout this morning," said Rickie Yeager, planning administrator for the city of Parkersburg and an organizer of the market.
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Photo by Michael Erb
Hundreds gathered Friday at Bicentennial Park to celebrate the opening of the Downtown Farmers’ Marketplace, its fifth year in Parkersburg.
Part of the crowd was due to a special Mother's Day promotion, Yeager said. The first 100 people at the market received a free dahlia from Dave's Greenhouse.
"We were out in 20 minutes," Yeager said. "The turnout was great. We couldn't hand them out fast enough."
The farmers' market is in its fifth year in downtown Parkersburg, and Yeager said he believes the market will have a strong showing again this year.
Fact Box
For More Info
Information on various Downtown Farmers' Marketplace events can be picked up at the market or by visiting www.parkersburgfarmersmarket.com.
"We have a variety of things to offer. It makes for a good destination, especially around lunch time," he said.
Aimee Stella, an employee of the Stacy Family Farm in Marietta, said she was pleased to see the crowds Friday morning.
The farm sold fresh strawberries picked that morning.
"Picking in the mornings isn't as fun, but I enjoy the farmers' markets," she said. "It's been good today. We're about two weeks earlier than usual with our picking season, but we are the only ones here today with fresh strawberries."
Yeager said in addition to fresh flowers, produce and crafts, the market will continue to offer extras like live music, cooking demonstrations and a few new features.
Yeager said the Farm to Market Consignment Table, Bargain Deals and Awesome Steals and Fiesta Fridays will all give customers more reasons to stop and shop.
"It's more than just pulling your truck up and selling off the bed," he said. "It's an experience."
