Up until a few weeks ago, it had never crossed my mind that I would ever cut a ceremonial ribbon. But, now that it has happened, I could not be more thrilled that I got to have the experience.

Thanks to the Barnesville Pumpkin Festival Committee — and especially to longtime photographer and pillar of the community Reed Tychonski — I got my chance on Thursday, snipping the bright orange ribbon to officially set the festival in motion.

I was in good company for the opening ceremony, standing alongside Mayor Dale Bunting, the festival royalty and many village and community leaders, such as Police Chief Rocky Sirianni, the Belmont County commissioners, auditor, coroner and port authority director and the committee members. Although the weather was cool, everyone was enthusiastic and ready for the festivities to get underway.

My role was small — it actually took only a few seconds to complete my task — but it felt like a very big deal to me. My husband, Mike, took the evening off from work to attend, and my brother, Larry, and sister-in-law Marie Compston both turned out to watch and snap a few photos.

It was honor to be involved and an experience I will always cherish.

After the ceremony concluded, Mike and I set out to explore the downtown and all that it has to offer at this time of year. First, we took in the annual talent show, watching as singers, dancers and other performers of all ages summoned their courage and got up on stage to perform.

From there, we visited some of the shops and restaurants that line Main Street, including a couple that we had never visited before. We found delightful gift items at Avenues of Barnesville, bought a new T-shirt at Moxie on the Main and found a crowd gathered at the Main Street Barrel House as a band set up to play.

We also stopped by the office of the Shaheen Law Group, where we were greeted by owner Michael Shaheen and his wife, Robyn. Each year since their Barnesville office opened, they have hosted an open house on opening night of the festival, offering up delicious appetizers, snacks and drinks, as well as good conversation and a warm, inviting atmosphere.

We spent a little time there, chatting with the Shaheens, their staff members and other visitors. As always, the fare they provided was delicious, and we truly enjoyed our time with them.

From there we headed down to the State Theatre. Unfortunately, we had taken a little too long to get there and found that tours had ended for the night. So, we went on about our way, wandering through the crowd and seeing what there was to see.

We stopped to look at the prize-winning produce on tables near the display of massive pumpkins. We also shopped at the many tables located inside the elementary school gymnasium as part of a craft fair. We checked out the street vendors and carnival rides and games, although we did not actually ride anything or take a chance throwing darts or fishing for a prize.

Rather than heading home to cook a late dinner, we finally decided to enjoy a meal right on site. We ordered a pie from the Wood Fired Pizza Company’s truck and grabbed a couple of spots at a high-top table nearby. We had never tried their food before, and we were not disappointed by the experience. We will definitely be looking for them again at other events around the area.

By the time we had finished eating, it was getting a bit late so we decided to call it a night. But oh what a night it had been!

My part in the festival is now over, but there is plenty for everyone to see and do throughout the rest of the weekend. One big attraction, the Giant Pumpkin Parade, begins at 12:45 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, at Barnesville High School and makes its way through town along Main Street before turning north on Ohio 800. If you can make it, you should. And if you miss the parade, go enjoy the festival anyway. You’ll be glad you did!