Preparations for the festival are in full swing, with crowds expected from far and wide.As in the past, limited edition marbles will be available for purchase during the three day event.

Once a year, Sistersville plays host to a three-day extravaganza dedicated to the history of glass toys.

The 10th annual Sistersville Marble Festival will be held in Sistersville Sept. 25-27.

Marblers from far and wide will gather in the streets to buy, sell and trade the glass toys, watch marbles being made, participate in marble tournaments, attend a marble auction and play Bingo courtesy of the Lions Club.

Food vendors will also be on-hand to add to the enjoyment.

The event celebrates the history of ‘marble mania’ that swept the country in the early to mid-1900s. One interesting fact is that most of the marbles enjoyed by children were made in this area.

This year’s marble depicts the old Sistersville Fire Department.

At one time, there were over 25 marble factories within a 60-mile radius of Sistersville. Today, only two remain-Jabo Vitro Marble Factory located 25 miles south of Sistersville in Lower Newport and Marble King located four miles north of Sistersville in Paden City.

Beautiful marbles will be made live during the festival and a large marble furnace will be placed on Charles Street, allowing world famous contemporary marble artists to display their talents. A silent auction will take place Friday and Saturday at 6 p.m.

Visitors may also inquire about limited edition 2009 Marble Festival Marbles. This year’s marble will feature the old Sistersville Fire Department.

On Saturday, Marvin George of Bridgeport, W.Va., will host a marble tournament for children. Live music will be played by Jessica Schoonover and Friends from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Michael Parsons will perform from 7-9 p.m.

Admission to the festival is free.

For more information about free vendor setup for selling marbles, other collectibles, or baked items, contact Jim King at 304-652-4030.