Lyndsey Pinkerton is the owner of the online storefront Perfectly Pink LLC. which she started in 2017. This was her first time selling and attending Meet Me on Market. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

PARKERSBURG — Downtown Parkersburg’s Meet Me on Market concluded for the season on Friday evening with nearly 300 people who gathered on Market Street.

The series ended its first year with a plethora of engaging activities, local businesses, food, and more.

The series was held on the third Friday of each month from May to September with the goal to support local businesses and bring the community together.

“With it being the first year and a new initiative, it’s been very successful with a steady stream of people and we are continuing it next year,” said Downtown PKB Executive Director Amanda Stevens. “Next year we hope more businesses will want to get involved.”

Stevens said as of now, next year will be the same concept but they want to find more ways to get people involved.

Connor Aleshire swings a hammer in an attempt to smash through the block of ice to get to the frozen gift cards for various businesses. The gift cards ranged from $5 to $50 in value. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

She said the average attendance has been anywhere between 300-400 people each month since it started in May. June had the most in attendance with nearly 800 people gathering downtown for the West Virginia-themed event.

“We do know that it takes time, continuation and consistency for more people to attend,” Stevens said. “The goal is to be consistent so it’ll grow organically and it’ll become part of a community routine.”

Stevens said the community response and participation has been great and they’re blessed to have so many people interested in the program.

“As of now, the businesses and vendors who participate and stay open for the event said they are going to continue being part of it next year,” she said. “Some of them are already talking about what they’re going to be adding and building on for next season.”

New and returning vendors at Highmark Plaza included Sew’n Wildflowers Handcrafted Creations, Gorsky Ravine with raw honey and beeswax products, Perfectly Pink LLC and Perfectly Imperfect.

Live musicians line the sidewalks of Market Street to entertain guests during Meet Me on Market Friday evening. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

Founder of Perfectly Pink LLC Lyndsey Pinkerton said this was her first time at Meet Me on Market.

“I’ve been in business since 2017, I don’t have a storefront, I just do online sales and show up to events,” she said.

Pinkerton has been a resident of Parkersburg for the past 20 years. She sells skincare and beauty products like balms, lotions, face scrubs and more. Her first product was a coffee scrub which she initially created for personal use.

“Next year I’ll probably come and shop and maybe set up shop again,” she said.

From beauty products to beeswax candy and baked goods, there were vendor options for guests to browse through.

Human Nature Homestead’s selection of sourdough starters and glass vases were available for purchase at Highmark Plaza on Friday. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

Businesses like First Chapter Bookstore and Sycamore Sweets were open past regular business hours to welcome community members for the evening. Sycamore Sweets celebrated its first week at its new space on 601 Market St. with fall-themed treats and drinks.

Live music filled the street as guests enjoyed coffee from SIPS Coffee Truck’s brand-new truck or PODA drinks from WineDown on Market.

Meet Me on Market is scheduled to return in May 2026 on the third Friday of the month.

Amber Phipps can be reached at aphipps@newsandsentinel.com.

Perfectly Imperfect’s assortment of homemade cookies, croissants, and baked goods were available for purchase at Highmark Plaza. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

SIPS Coffee Truck debuted the new truck “Poppy” next to Highmark Plaza during Meet Me on Market Friday evening. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

Kayla VanMatre is the owner of Sew’n Wildflowers Handcrafted Designs and sells pieces like Kindle cases, purses, and scunchies. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

Author Joy E. Held autographed her book “In Writer Wellness” for guests browsing through First Chapter Bookstore on Friday. (Photo by Amber Phipps)