At noontime Friday, all that remained of the hubbub of activitiy that was the Downtown Farmers Marketplace this year...was the sign and the tent. But this was far from a sad ending. Considering the crowds which came downtown to view, sample and buy the fresh vegetables, baked goods and garden items...the first-year marketplace was a hit.

"Certainly, because of the weather this past month, it had a tendency to taper," says Cecil Childress, General Manager of the Hotel Blennerhassett, against whose property the market site is adjacent. "And a lot of farmers were just out of product. But, overall, the people were very pleased. The farmers were pleased, so it wrapped up this year successfully."

And much of the advertising which brought in the customers was word of mouth...with some donated billboards. City of Parkersburg officials are optimistic that...if you advertise it even more...more will come.

"All types...or media, as well as trying to expand the entertainment and draw into the market," says Development Director Ann Conageski, "getting more of the chefs and restaurants involved in cooking demonstrations, as well as small groups with children, teaching them a little bit about agriculture."

The city is seeking $10,000 in agriculture grants to pay for additional advertising. Much of the publicity this past summer was through media stories or donated billboards throughout the city.

Organizers say not all of those who took part in the farmers market were downtown Parkersburg workers. Quite a few, at least during the summer, came from out of town.

Chldress says farmers who displayed items this year are looking forward to coming back next year.