CENTERVILLE – Residents mingled Thursday evening under a cloudless sky and warm temperatures at the inaugural Centerville Market event on the City Hall grounds.

Groups of people were seeking shade, and the buzz of conversations in the air was occasionally punctuated by bursts of laughter.

Jeanne Bauer, who spearheaded the event, said the turnout – about 100 – was just about right.

“You know, it’s like a ‘soft opening’ for a new park attraction, where the crowds are small,” Bauer said. “We want this event to build, news of it to spread by word of mouth.”

Bauer has said she wants these occasional events to be a place where city residents can gather, meet neighbors and socialize without the hustle and bustle of large, noisy crowds.

Vendors occupied a few tables, selling antiques, baked goods, plants and produce. One table featured a raffle for a big UGA-themed basket of goodies, and one for night out on the town. In the just-remodeled pavilion, singers serenaded the crowd.

Even Mayor Harold “Bubba” Edwards got in the act, seated on a stool and plucking out the familiar chords of “Stairway to Heaven” on an acoustic guitar as people passed by to participate in a cakewalk.

Marilyn Yoder of Montezuma offered cakes, pies and cookies; Lavern Pate of Perry had produce and canned goods; and the National Association for Mental Illness was selling houseplants.

The Boy Scouts of Troop 400 out of Centerville First United Methodist Church had an information table spotlighting their focus on recycling efforts. Adam Stretch, a junior at Houston County High, said it was part of their efforts for community service. Scoutmaster Lou Napolitano said the scouts collect cans for recycling to purchase diesel fuel for their bus which they use to attend events or summer camp.

Bauer said she has plans for more plants on the grounds and a butterfly garden. A butterfly sculpture of rocks, crafted by Girl Scouts of Troop 60228, sits prominently near the sidewalk.

“We all put it together,” said 9-year-old Aleigha Flores, a student at Centerville Elementary School.

Aleigha, along with fellow scouts Taylor Woodham and Lily Ford, were chatting excitedly after the inaugural cakewalk event. The “walk” was won by Sid Andrews, the city’s chief of police services, who promptly donated the cake.

“I don’t need it!” the big man said with a laugh.

Larry Coy, a Lions Club member who’s also with the city’s Downtown Development Authority, was passing out hot dogs and drinks while chattering away with residents.

Inside the Community Room in City Hall, away from the heat of the late afternoon sun, was an exhibit of photographs taken by residents.

Austin Wallace took first place for “Through the Looking Glass,” a portrait taken from a window reflection. David Wright took another first place award for a striking color photo of an orb-web spinning garden spider.