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Excitement Builds Around Growth at Centre Market in Wheeling

Photos by Eric Ayres Emily Wade of V.C. Wares in Centre Market adds a fresh coat of paint to a piece of vintage furniture on Monday. V.C. Wares was one of many businesses that participated in the recent Centre Market Sundays event, opening for expanded business hours and welcoming customers during the special event.

Excitement surrounding Centre Market Sundays is picking up steam, and Wheeling officials are hopeful that special events and expanded business hours become part of the continuing effort to shine a brighter spotlight on the historic area that has become a unique hub for commerce and the arts.

The second Centre Market Sunday this summer season was held on July 18 with live music in the courtyard and many participating local businesses remaining open for the event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.

Councilwoman Rosemary Ketchum — who represents Ward 3 where Center Wheeling and the market are located — noted that the revived Centre Market Commission is expected to focus on events like Centre Market Sunday and many more efforts to enhance, improve and highlight the market area as a gem within the Friendly City that is buzzing with activity.

Members of Wheeling City Council are expected to approve an ordinance revamping the purpose and duties of the Centre Market Commission next week, and Mayor Glenn Elliott will be charged with appointing a panel of local people to serve on the commission who have a vested interest in seeing the market emerge as a retail and entertainment destination.

“I am so excited for the reinstatement of the Centre Market Commission,” Ketchum said. “I think that our Centre Market is one of the most special places in our city. It is one of the most historic locations in our city, and it currently is a place of arts, entertainment and commerce.”

Participating merchants were pleased with the turnout and the improvements made during the July Centre Market Sundays event, and they said they hoped to see the events continue beyond the summer months.

“It was really great,” Emily Wade of V.C. Wares in Centre Market at 2253 Market St. “I thought we had a really wonderful turnout. Having the element of live music this time around — and Table 304 came and set up a table — I thought that helped a lot, versus the first Sunday when we didn’t have food or live music.”

Currently the events are being planned to take place once a month through September, and the next Centre Market Sundays is slated to take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 8. with food vendors and live musical entertainment.

“Centre Market has been incredibly active,” Ketchum said. “I know that oftentimes there is a culture in the city of Wheeling that if you want to be out on a Sunday, you might as well go to The Highlands, because it’s hard to find a place that’s open. We’re trying to change that, and we’re hoping that this commission can be part of that change.”

Ketchum said when Centre Market has success, it benefits not only the businesses there, but also the city as a whole. She encouraged the public to visit during the next Centre Market Sundays on Aug. 8.

“If you can make it, there will be music, food trucks and a lot of fun things,” Ketchum said. “I’m excited to see it continue.”

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