BARNESVILLE — It’s that time of year again — Joe’s Tire in Barnesville held its annual sledding event Tuesday afternoon.

The long-standing day of fun takes place in the wake of the first substantial snowfall of the year. Event organizer and Joe’s Tire Financial Manager Delilah Hudson said the idea for the event came from Joe’s Tire founders Roy and Martha Hershberger.

“Martha one year thought it would be fun to make hot chocolate and cookies so that kids could come sledding, and we’ve been doing it every year since,” Hudson said.

She added that although it’s typically an annual occurrence, last year she wasn’t able to host the event due to the lack of snow accumulation.

Once the snow started falling and the inches started piling up on Monday, though, Joe’s Tire took to social media to inform residents that it would be hosting its event from 2-5 p.m. Tuesday. The post added that it would have limited tubes available for residents to use free of charge but encouraged them to bring their own sleds to ensure they wouldn’t miss out.

Hudson added that due to the event only being promoted at the last minute due unpredictable weather conditions, it is good that it’s built up a following over the years.

“Normally it’s the first big snow of the season if we’re able to because it’s so last minute. We try to plan it if we can, but we just do it whenever we can,” she said.

Once the social media post was made, numerous Ohio Valley residents shared the post and posted the flyer in various groups informing folks of the fun, family-friendly event to enjoy during Tuesday’s snow day that had students home from school.

Hudson added that due to the built-in following for the event, turnout was about the same as it is every year.

“People are aware that we do it now, so actually the first time it snowed we had a bunch of people messaging us asking us when we are sledding,” Hudson said. “I’m just happy to see everyone out here and enjoying the snow.”

Hudson added that the cost of the hot chocolate and cookies is covered by Joe’s Tire.

“We just make hot chocolate, bring it out here for everybody and hope that they can warm up and have fun,” she said.