POMEROY — Plans for the Pomeroy Merchants Association’s primary fund raiser, the Sept. 16 duck derby at Riverfest, were discussed at the group’s Tuesday meeting.

It was noted that the tickets will be going on sale for $5 each with the grand prize to be a 50/50 drawing. In addition to the grand prize, other items contributed by merchants will be awarded. All of the tickets are numbered to correspond with the numbers on the ducks which will go into the river just below Powells and are retrieved as they cross an imaginary line in the river at the end of the parking lot wall. Arrangements are being made for the derby to take place at 4:30 p.m. this year.

Tickets will be available from various merchants and also for sale during the annual three-day Riverfest, Sept. 14-16.

President Dan Short reported on the signage to be used on the parking lot near the meters which offer two hours of free time to anyone coming to town to shop. It was also noted that customers who get parking tickets can have them validated if they turn the ticket into the store owner who, in turn, handles the matter with Chief of Police Mark Proffitt.

Ways to promote business in town were discussed and several proposals were made including a mall display and television advertising.

Kathy Reed was welcomed to the meeting as a representative of The Fabric Shop which has been purchased from Becky Nease by Reed, Cathy Cooper and Karen Walker.

A final sale of the ornamental bulbs featuring the new bridge and the courthouse was discussed with the price being reduced to $5 each. Proceeds from the sale of the bulbs over the past 15 years has gone for the beautification of downtown Pomeroy. The bulbs are available in several locations including The Ohio Valley Bank at Save-a-Lot, Peoples Bank, and The Daily Sentinel.