Sumner is known as the Rhubarb Pie Capital of the World and the marketing in town continues to reflect that.

Sumner Downtown Association Executive Director Shelly Schlumpf makes it clear this is the place to find rhubarb.

“If you’re looking in Sumner, you’re in luck,” she told the crowd Tuesday.

The Attic on Main Street served as the gathering place Tuesday for merchants who are joining to popularize the Sumner brand. A presentation by destination marketing expert Tammy Blount focused on distinct logos and iconic images as a means of associating a destination with the specific image. Paris’ Eiffel Tower and Seattle’s Space Needle were included as examples of iconic symbols instantly bringing to mind the cities where they are located. Blount said Sumner’s iconic aspect is rhubarb, which can serve as a major draw and she said Sumner is already doing an excellent job of using that icon.

“I congratulate you with joining the ranks with Paris’ Eiffel Tower. You are more famous than you know,” she said.

In keeping with the concept of the rhubarb brand, there are rhubarb items in town.

Businesses in Sumner utilizing the rhubarb technique include The Whistle Stop, which is reprinting a 1931 rhubarb logo from Sumner and Blue Iris Beads, which sells rhubarb charms.

It wasn’t all work on Tuesday, as guests snacked on food like Rhubarb Vinagrette Dressing over Mixed Green Salad from Sorci’s Italian Cafe and Enoteca and sipped rhubarb margaritas.