T-L Photo/JOSIE BURKHART balloon artist Johanna Rockwell attends Fun in the Ville in Barnesville to make balloon animals. for children.

BARNESVILLE — Music, food, a slide and sales were hallmarks of the first Fun in the Ville event of the season on Thursday.

This month’s theme, a nod to a tradition that started four years ago, is “Super Sidewalk Sale,” featuring shops in the village having their products outside ready to go for visitors. Cheffy Drugs, Avenues of Barnesville and Bless Your Heart Folk Art were some businesses that took part.

The Barnesville Area Chamber of Commerce is putting on three Fun in the Ville events this year. The second one is scheduled from 4-7 p.m. June 5 with the “Summer Fun” theme, while the third takes place from 4-7 p.m. Aug. 7 focused on heading “Back to School.”

During the first installment Thursday evening, attendees were able to listen to music from a DJ at the Blue Moon Tavern; eat food from food trucks including The Gringos Tacos, Two Stack BBQ and Shamrock Shaved Ice; and participate in activities and more.

The chamber is able to host Fun in the Ville events thanks to a Belmont County Tourism Council GAP grant and sponsorships from businesses in the community.

Chamber Director Jill Hissom said the whole point of these events is to bring people into the community to shop, eat and support local businesses. The location of each Fun in the Ville is the parking lot at 130 W. Main St.

She always encourages people to go to the restaurants in the village.

“I want to see our community come together, families coming out and enjoying our free event,” Hissom said. “And people being able to see our community in our downtown area.”

Children enjoyed a giant bouncy slide Thursday evening, while they could also spin a wheel and win a prize.

The Barnesville Hutton Memorial library had coloring pages for children and crafts to make for Mother’s Day.

The event also featured a face painter, a balloon artist, a large tic tac toe board, sidewalk chalk, Connect Four and Jenga for more activities for children.

Hissom described the event as a family friendly community activity where families could come sit outside, listen to music and enjoy some food. The event itself is free; attendees only have to pay for their food.

Hissom said the “Back to School” Fun in the Ville is a very big event that has inflatable relay races.

Whether you’re young or young at heart, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, Hissom added, which makes people look forward to Fun in the Ville.

“In Barnesville, our chamber of commerce events are more than just gatherings — they’re where our community comes to life. These free, family-friendly evenings are packed with fun for all ages, featuring exciting games, delicious food trucks and toe-tapping music,” Hissom said. “It’s the kind of atmosphere that brings neighbors together, creates lasting memories and reminds us why we love our small-town charm.”