PARKERSBURG ā Small Business Saturday was held in the Mid-Ohio Valley, drawing shoppers and business owners from both sides of the river.
The Belpre Homecoming Festival organized an event where local artisans and business owners showcased their wares at the Belpre Bingo Hall.
āIt gives people who own a small business and want to expand an opportunity to get their name out there, and weāre helping them do that.ā said Amanda Wyers, Belpre Homecoming Festival Chair.
Wyers said this was the first time the event was held and included activities and games for attendees. The day began with a pancake breakfast with Santa as local vendors began preparations.
āAnd almost every hour, scheduled events occurred.ā Wyers said. “From exercise classes to making reindeer food. Anything family-friendly to get people outside.”
Victoria Hooper, owner of Gourmet Balls by Tori, said she was approached by Wires to participate in the inaugural event.
“It’s kind of an honor when someone comes up to you and says they want you to be a part of this project.” Hooper said.
Hooper said she started making hot cocoa bombs as a hobby during the pandemic and it grew from there. She makes bombs using ingredients like marshmallows, sprinkles, hot cocoa mix and even edible glitter, she said.
“You put everything in there, and when the milk hits it, it pops open. People often call them bombs, but I call them balls.” Hooper said. “I always joke and say, ‘Thank you for supporting my small-ball business.’
She said she only makes balls during the cold season, but selling balls during this time is very helpful for her family.
“This little money will pay for my children’s Christmas and their current groceries. Strawberries are expensive.” Hooper said. āI have five kids, so I have to find something to help them at Christmas time and in their lives right now.ā
Ms. Hooper said more information about her hot cocoa bombs can be found on her Facebook page.
Wyers said she hopes this becomes another annual tradition at Belpre.
“We’re trying to add more community events and traditions to this small town.” Wyers said. āWe appreciate your support and look forward to future events hosted by Belpre Homecoming.
Across the river, the Parkersburg Arts Center held a similar event on Small Business Saturday.
They invited businesses from all over the area to come and set up shop at the center. Most businesses brought in merchandise to sell in their stores.
Paula Space, owner of Space Kraft’d, sells various forms of embroidery and said most of her sales come from custom orders and commemorative pieces embroidered with photos of deceased family members or pets. .
“I take people’s memories and highlight and embellish them.” Space said. “I like making things.”
Space said she also makes and sells muscle scrubs and sugar scrubs, and her husband sells woodworking products.
Delta Coon, owner of DJs Sweet Creations, was also in attendance at the Parkersburg Art Center’s Small Business Saturday event.
DJs Sweet Creations is āAll kinds of snacksā.
She said she sells macarons, fudge and chocolate-covered treats, but she specializes in cakes and cupcakes.
Kuhn holds events throughout the year, but Saturday’s event was only the second she has attended at the Parkersburg Art Center.
Kuhn said her friends inspired her to start selling sweets, starting with decorated sugar cookies. DJs Sweet Creations, Coon explained, no longer sells them. “pain” make. You can find DJ Sweet Creations on Facebook and Space Kraft’d.
Douglass Huxley can be reached at dhuxley@newsandsentinel.com.
Clara Noelle can be reached at intern@newsandsentinel.com.