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BARNESVILLE -- "Fun in the Ville" kicks off from 4-9 p.m. today in the West Main Parking Lot in Barnesville, next to the Blue Moon Tavern.
Jill Hissom, director of the Barnesville Area Chamber of Commerce, said this is the first year for the event, which will continue to be held on the first Thursday of each month through August. Each of the four events - the first one was held in May - has a different theme with the latest being "Kickoff to Summer."
"We are hoping that everyone joins in. We're going to make it a fun-filled event for the community. The businesses are staying open late in the downtown area," Hissom said.
"With our funds we received from the grant from Belmont County Tourism, we are trying to make this a fun, free event."
The event will include a number of food trucks, vendors, activities and entertainment.
"Vendors will be set up throughout town along with our food trucks, and there will be activities for the kids," she said. "There's something for everyone."
There will be free airbrush face painting, a balloon artist, and live music performed by Flushed.
Additionally, numerous businesses will keep their doors open for longer hours. Hissom said those businesses include Bless Your Heart Folk Art, Avenues of Barnesville, Moxie on the Main, The Kountry Kactus, Marigolds and Diamonds, and Out of the Barn. She said the Blue Moon Tavern will also have drink specials available.
Hissom said the local businesses are thrilled with the event, as it has allowed for later business hours and increased foot traffic in the shops.
"I've received great feedback from the businesses saying how awesome it is. With everyone downtown walking around, it's drawn more attention to the businesses," she added.
Moxie on the Main owner Denise Kozak said the series of events is a great way to stir up extra business for the area.
"As a small business owner, I am very excited when our chamber of commerce promotes, steps out and up to advertise, to promote our community. Times are hard for everyone right now, and especially for small businesses. With the chamber promoting the Fun in the Ville events this summer, it brings out more people, and more people mean more business downtown. We need that extra boost. I believe we have come together in this small community, whether it be sponsoring local events, donating to schools and local charities, or even simply being active on social media - as you find our chamber quite frequently," she said, adding that she is proud to be a part of the Barnesville community, which the chamber of commerce is a big part of.
Other upcoming dates for the event include the "Circus Night" on July 7 and "Back To School" on Aug. 4.