For about a four-hour period Wednesday, individuals were driving through the rest area on the southbound lane of Interstate 79 and signing autographs. While there was the possibility someone amongst those putting their signature down was famous, the majority – if not all – that signed the tri-folded poster or visited the canopied tent were doing what most people do when stopping there – taking a break from their travels.

 

As it turned out, Michelle Duez and Hannah Cantrell from the Greater Bridgeport Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, Kathie Titus and Tara Morrison from the Clarksburg Convention and Visitor’s Bureau as well as Governor’s Highway Safety Director Lisa Hall were on hand to welcome travelers as the exited I-79. It was all part of National Travel and Tourism Week.

 

“The goal was to show travelers through our area what we have to offer and some of our West Virginia hospitality,” said Michelle Duez, the executive director of the Greater Bridgeport CVB.

 

The hospitality included standard greetings, asking individuals where they were headed and if they needed any help and some freebies. Most notable that was being given out to travelers is West Virginia’s official food – the pepperoni roll.

 

“We were also handing out bottled water, brochures and trinkets,” said Duez. “It was nice to get feedback and have people who generally just pass through the area ask questions about the area.”

 

Those that were greeted came from near and far. Duez said travelers from Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, California, Maryland, Illinois, Canada and even one individual from Costa Rica were part of the areas that were represented during the four-hour period.

 

Along with the conversation, food and other items given away, those stopping were asked to give their autograph. Duez said most of those engaged signed the placard.

 

“That was a lot of fun,” said Duez. “One thing we noticed was that there were a lot of people who were picking up their kids from college and were passing through our area. Hopefully, we made a good impression on them.”

 

Duez said they got a good assist from the state. She said multiple individuals mentioned to her group that they were impressed with not only how nice the still relatively new rest area was, but how clean it was as well.

 

“That was refreshing to hear. One lady from New York actually came back from her car to thank us for being kind and having a beautiful area to make a stop at on their trip,” said Duez.

 

Duez said several hundred people stopped by during their stay Wednesday. She’s hopeful they’ll stop – or – even better – stay the next time they come through the Bridgeport-Clarksburg area.

 

Editor's Note: Photo shows some of the autographs collected during Wednesday's event.