‘Meet Me on Market’ event makes debut in downtown Parkersburg
Jennifer Eisenmann measured the bottom of a piece on the pottery wheel outside the Parkersburg Art Center during Friday’s Meet Me on Market event. (Photo by Gwen Sour)
Lynda Rhodes painted a watercolor rendition of a bird to match Meet Me on Market’s ‘flight’ theme on Friday evening. (Photo by Gwen Sour)
The cast of The Actors Guild of Parkersburg’s “Oliver!” performed a medley from the musical during Meet Me on Market on Friday night. (Photo by Gwen Sour)
Nicky Sandy performed a cover of “Pink Pony Club” during Friday evening’s Simply Kin Market. (Photo by Gwen Sour)
Jennifer Eisenmann measured the bottom of a piece on the pottery wheel outside the Parkersburg Art Center during Friday’s Meet Me on Market event. (Photo by Gwen Sour)
Lynda Rhodes painted a watercolor rendition of a bird to match Meet Me on Market’s ‘flight’ theme on Friday evening. (Photo by Gwen Sour)
The cast of The Actors Guild of Parkersburg’s “Oliver!” performed a medley from the musical during Meet Me on Market on Friday night. (Photo by Gwen Sour)
Nicky Sandy performed a cover of “Pink Pony Club” during Friday evening’s Simply Kin Market. (Photo by Gwen Sour)
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PARKERSBURG -- Market Street was buzzing with energy Friday night as Downtown PKB launched its new "Meet Me on Market" series, a monthly Third Friday celebration that will run through September.
The inaugural event, themed "Flight," brought hundreds of residents and visitors downtown for an evening of local art, music, food, and family fun.
The event, which officially ran from 5 to 7 p.m. (with several locations staying open later), showcased the vibrancy and creativity of Parkersburg's downtown scene. Organizers called it a celebration of community, designed to support small businesses, artists, and non-profits while inviting locals to rediscover the heart of the city.
One of the highlights was the Simply Kin Mini-Market Pop-Up at Highmark Plaza, where local makers and food vendors gathered to sell handmade goods. Co-founder Eva Bennett explained that the market was born "about two and a half years ago" as a way to spotlight grassroots creators.
"We really try to uplift local makers, bakers, creators, just whoever we can," Bennett said.
This summer's pop-up series will also feature a youth artist each month, encouraging young entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their work. Friday's featured artist was Fern Belcher, a student potter whose colorful ceramics charmed attendees.
"I like pottery because it's really artsy and fun. I can make a lot of stuff," said Belcher.
Just steps away at First Chapter Bookstore, local author A.E. Fox held a special pre-release party for the deluxe edition of the first book in her High Blood series, a darkly humorous vampire romance with a strong undercurrent of mental health themes.
"It's about vampires, but underneath, it's about mental health," Fox said. "The main character has depression and PTSD. It's layered, but there's also kissing and chaos."
Fans lined up to get signed copies, enjoy refreshments, and meet the author before the book's official release on May 24.
Meanwhile, the Parkersburg Art Center offered interactive experiences for all ages, including pottery wheel demos by Jennifer Eisenmann and watercolor painting with Lynda Rhodes. The Wood County Solid Waste Authority sponsored a free craft activity, and guests could grab snacks or sip a drink while exploring, thanks to PODA cups allowing for to-go beverages.
Rhodes, once an oil painter, shared her journey to watercolor after a long break due to family illness.
"I wanted to do something I didn't know how to do," she said. "I loved oils. Never dreamed I'd give them up, but watercolor was my passion. I didn't know that until I tried it."
The Art Center also celebrated the grand reopening of The Market, its gift shop, with prize raffles and treats.
Music filled the air at Parkersburg Brewing Company, where Evie Schaffer performed live. Guests enjoyed free tours and happy hour specials, while Artsbridge featured a family art project and selfie station for visitors.
At Wine Down on Market, patrons could relax with drink specials, and across the street, Enhanced Wellness welcomed guests for mini glow-up sessions and express facials. On the corner of Eighth and Market streets, Artbeat Studio led a collaborative mural project that invited the community to leave its mark -- quite literally.
Playing into the "Flight" theme, West Virginia University at Parkersburg recruiters hosted a paper airplane station, the United Way provided crafts for children, and the Resiliency Center opened its doors for tours and information.
One of the most anticipated features of the night was the scavenger hunt bingo -- a monthly fixture of Meet Me on Market. Participants picked up bingo cards and explored downtown, earning stamps by visiting participating businesses. Completed cards can be returned to the Sips Coffee Truck for a chance to win a local prize bundle, with the drawing scheduled for Tuesday, May 20.
"There will be more surprises along the way," organizers teased, urging residents to "put on your comfy shoes and bring your friends and family" for future nights of discovery.
With different themes and new activities planned each month, organizers hope Meet Me on Market becomes a cherished tradition -- one that celebrates the people and places that make downtown Parkersburg thrive.
Gwen Sour can be reached at gsour@newsandsentinel.com