DOWNTOWN THURSDAY 12-13-2012

 SILENT AUCTION BEGINS AT 5:30 PM
 AT PARK PLACE  

WWW.DOWNTOWNMARION.COM

2012 Pnut Push and Christmas Parade !

CHRISTMAS STARTS IN DOWNTOWN MARION, OHIO !

Holidays in

Downtown Marion

Saturday, December 1

Breakfast with Santa = 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

at The Warehouse

          Buffet:  $7.95 adults; $4.95 kids

WMRN Peanut Push to benefit the

Christmas Clearing House = 10:00 a.m.

West Center Street … just west of Prospect Street

   Hot Chocolate, Ornament & Face Painting at APEX Church’s Kidz Center (Center & Prospect Sts.) = 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Christmas Parade = noon

          Featuring Santa, bands and 13 floats

          Starts on East Center St. at Greenwood, then

          moves west on Center St. past the Palace Theatre.

Thank you to our generous parade sponsors: 

Carroll’s Jewelers, Frontier Communications, Kingston Residence of Marion, Kiwanis, Kohl’s, Marion Blue Racers, Marion Manor, Partners of Marion, Primrose Retirement Community, Promo Costumes, and Storad Label.

Free Children’s Movie, Palace Theatre = 1:30 p.m.

          “Arthur Christmas”

This highly reviewed 2011 release reveals the incredible, never-before seen answer to every child's question: 'So how does Santa deliver all those presents in one night?'  The answer:  Santa's exhilarating, ultra-high-tech operation hidden beneath the North Pole.  But at the center of the film is a story about a family in a state of comic dysfunction and an unlikely hero, Arthur, with an urgent mission that must be completed before Christmas morning dawns.

Our heartfelt thanks to these gentlemen for sponsoring this movie: 

Tom Bostic, Nick Chilton, Daryl Gates, Ted Graham, Carl Hughes,

Howard Smith and Lowell Thurston.

Happy Thanksgiving - Shop Local !

First I'd like to wish each of you a very Happy Thanksgiving. Please remember that amid all the media hype about Black Friday, travel conditions, and the "perfect" Thanksgiving meal, the best Thanksgivings are spent simply enjoying time with family and friends. I was blessed to have a Thanksgiving lunch with my 10-year-old grandson at his school yesterday. The students had made place mats with the traditional turkey and he'd listed what he was thankful for. His list, in order, was, he was thankful for Jesus, his family, his friends, and his toys & video games. I remember smiling and thinking a) we all could take a lesson from this kid on what's important in life, including myself; and b) I need to tell his parents they are doing a good job.

Second, don't forget about our Shop Local program where you could win over $500 in local shopping just when you need it most! Details are attached, but to get started, just pick up your coupon sheet full of wonderful discounts to 25 area businesses at either Marion branch of the Ohio State Bank or Blue Fusion in the Marion Plaza.

Speaking of shopping locally, I know that EE Johnson is having some great Black Friday specials ... up to $2,000 off on a wide variety of items. Stop by, check it out and register for the Shop Local grand prize!

Great Impressions is getting a new batch of jewelry in today ... I always get compliments on my jewelry pieces from Great Impressions, which are also very reasonably priced for the great quality & style you get ... and register for the Shop Local grand prize!

The OSU-Michigan game is this Saturday {Go Bucks!} and I get really great OSU items at Home Again Stained Glass & more. You can also register for the Shop Local grand prize there.

Those "big name" jewelry stores down south don't have anything on our very own Carroll's Jewelry for that special jewelry item for your sweetheart ... and you can register here, too.

Find you need some great holiday decor and unique gifts, there are a number of Downtown stores that can help you out including Present & Past Home Decor, Crown Tower, and all of the stores of Charleston Place ... and guess, what? You can register for the Shop Local grand prize at each of them!

And last, but not least, start the holiday season off right by attending the Marion Civic Chorus and Orchestra's 71st annual presentation of Handel's "Messiah" at the Palace on Sunday, November 25th at 7:00 p.m. There is no admission fee, however, a freewill offering will be received.

Next weekend at the Palace is "Christmas at the Palace". This is another Palace tradition that I can also personally attest to the fact it's a fabulous event. Go to www.marionpalace.org for complete details on this and all of the other upcoming holiday events!

Remember, especially in the upcoming holiday season, where you eat, shop and play truly does matter ... please do it locally.

Karen

--

Karen Herr

Manager, Downtown Marion, Inc.

205 West Center Street, Suite 130

Marion, OH 43302

740.382.2181

FOR RELEASE: Immediate

FINAL 2012 CASH MOB IS THURSDAY

 MARION, OH– The final Cash Mob for 2012 will be an all day affair on South Main Street this Thursday, October 25. Organized by Downtown Marion and the Marion Young Professionals, the Cash Mobs have been very well received by the businesses involved … and those who come to participate, as well. It was decided to do an all-day event to give people the opportunity to participate on their lunch hour as well as after work.

“A Cash Mob,” said Karen Herr, manager of Downtown Marion, “is a group of people who go en mass to support a local business – or in this case, multiple businesses.” Generally, Herr said, each person in the mob is asked to spend at least $10 in that location.  In this case, you can have breakfast or lunch at Baires, lunch or dinner at Maury’s On Main, and stop into a variety of businesses along the way.   “I think you’ll be surprised,” said Herr, “at the variety to be found on South Main Street.  Present and Past Home Décor is reminiscent of many stores found in Delaware with collectibles, Amish furniture, and some antiques.  Curiosity also has many collectibles that range from pocketknives to lighters, from Klingon batlifs to mid-evil daggers, and beer steins to Avon decanters.

The businesses participating are:

Baires - 131 South Main

Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Special or Discount: Free soft drink with lunch

Curiosity - 141 South Main

Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (open until 6 p.m. for this event)

Special or Discount: 10% off any purchase that day if you mention you're with the Cash Mob

Maury's On Main - 138 South Main

Hours: 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. (open until 6 p.m. for this event)

Special or Discount: mention you’re with the Cash Mob for that day’s special

Ohio State Bank - 111 South Main

Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Special or Discount: No fees on VISA gift cards if you mention you're with the Cash Mob

Present & Past Home Decor- 129 South Main

Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (special for this event)

Special or Discount:  20% off any regular priced item or 10% off any Amish item – will do layaway

Herr summed it up by saying, “Where you eat, shop and play is important, and Cash Mobs are an absolutely stupendous way to invest in our local community $10 at a time.”

Further information may be found by calling Herr at 740-382-2181.  Downtown Marion, Inc. is a non-profit organization whose mission is the revitalization of downtown Marion as a central hub for the community.  

DATE: October 22, 2012

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Karen Herr, 740.382.2181

Marion Ohio has a new author! Local business man Rod Cooper who readily shares stories about local current events in Marion, will both frighten and amuse you as he reveals his daily real life experiences as a local purveyor of firearms. But Rod, for the past three years, has been harboring a secret. In his spare time he has been working on his gripping Sci-Fi novel "Goddesses of Asgard"  This adult sci-fi drama plays out in the future, rolling toward 2142. It is now available in hard bound and paperback directly from the publisher Trafford Books or at a slight discount from Amazon. Not recommended for the prudish nor children under the age of 18  This premier novel will sell out quickly, so get yours as soon as possible. If you hurry, you may be able to drop out and get Rod to sell you an autographed copy at the store, which is located at 1993 Harding Highway East in Marion, Ohio. 740-382-4998. 

In 2010, there is nothing about four-year-old Robert James Odom to suggest the accomplishments he will achieve in the future. In many regards, he is an average young boy from the Midwest, growing up on the shores of Lake Erie. But  

as an adult, success follows him. As a brilliant young entrepreneur, he develops a financial source to build his lifelong dream, a nightclub named Asgard where supernaturally beautiful and talented hostesses charm the patrons to purchase food, drinks, and souvenirs. Robert J. Odom Investments eventually becomes the most financially powerful force in the universe. But soon, prosperity results in disaster, power results in conflict, and friendships produce enemies. It’s a world filled with conquest, politics, seduction, intimidation, religion, and miscalculation. Rioting, crime, and sex slavery are common occurrences. As the year 2142 rolls around and the three remaining races face extinction, cousins Robert J. Odom V (called Bob 5) and Desmond Jericho Rand (called DJ), believe the answers are in a time travel discovery that would involve travel to the past to influence change. The pair know they cannot directly manipulate history, but through telepathic suggestions they can persuade the humans to make different choices. But what exactly should they change?

CASH MOB MONDAY OCTOBER 8TH - JOIN US!

Downtown Marion and The Marion Young Professionals have again partnered for a Cash Mob tonight, Monday, October 8, at the Marion Flower Shop, 1045 Each Church Street. We'll be there between 5:15 & 5:30 to do the mob. If you can't make it during that time frame, just stop in when you can and tell them you're part of the Cash Mob!     

From there, we'll be going to Stumpo's Italian Kitchen.   They've remodeled and reopened since that devastating fire earlier this year, so we're going to go check them out and support a locally-owned restaurant.
  
Stumpo's is located in the Servex Centre at 1292 Delaware Avenue.  
If you'd like to be part of the Cash Mob but need to get home, just call ahead and pick up a pizza, lasagna, or something yummy to take home.   Their number is 740.387.5900.    

Mark you calendars now for our next Cash Mob on Thursday, October 25.   This one will take place entirely in Downtown Marion. Details coming soon!   

Remember, where you eat, shop and play matters, and here's the chance to do it locally!  

Karen    

 -- 

Karen Herr

Manager, Downtown Marion, Inc.

205 West Center Street, Suite 130

Marion, OH   43302

740.382.2181

DOWNTOWN MARION MARKET

SET TO RESUME FRIDAY

MARION, OH – The Downtown Marion Market was off a week due to the Marion Popcorn Festival, but will resume this Friday, September 14. Markets will run from 4 – 7 p.m. every Friday through October 12.

In what is described as an open air market atmosphere, vendors set up on the sidewalks beginning at the corner of Main and Center streets near the Ohio State Bank and former PNC Bank locations and move west on Center Street. Setting up on the sidewalks, organizers felt, would leave plenty of parking spaces on the street open for those coming to the Downtown Market.

“This has been fairly successful for a first-time venture,” said Karen Herr, manager of Downtown Marion. “We decided to include anything handmade, homemade or homegrown and that has given the Downtown Marion Market a nice variety with something that interests most everyone.” According to Herr, vendors’ wares include tomatoes, sweet corn, melons, honey, green beans, pies, breads, pumpkin breads, jewelry, quilts, noodles, cookies, scent tarts, hair accessories, mums, Amish rugs, and even hula hoops.

According to Herr, in the past Downtown Marion was the place to be on Friday nights … the streets were packed with both shoppers and social events. “We can’t totally recreate that atmosphere from the 1950s or ‘60s,” said Herr, “but what we can do is provide a venue to encourage people to come and experience Downtown Marion as it is now. It’s come a long way in the past 10 years and we want people to have a share in the revitalization of Downtown Marion.”

Herr noted there are a variety of restaurants within a short distance of the market, including Baires and Maury’s on Main, both on South Main Street, The Candy Shack & Café inside Charleston Place, Infinity in the historic Harding Hotel, and the Warehouse located in the former inter urban railway building on West Center. She also indicated that many of the stores will be having sidewalk sales, as well. “You can come early,” said Herr, “and visit Heritage Hall and the Wyandot Popcorn Museum … then visit the market … do a little shopping … grab a bite to eat ... and top off the evening by going to the Palace Theatre as there is generally an event or movie most Friday evenings.


“My mantra has been, ‘Where you eat, shop and play matters … do it locally,’” said Herr. “The Downtown Marion Market provides the perfect opportunity to do all three.”

For further information, or if you are interested in becoming a vendor, call Herr at 740-382-2181 or event coordinator Cindy Charpie at 740-361-2940. Downtown Marion, Inc. is a non-profit organization whose mission is the revitalization of Downtown Marion as a vibrant central hub for the community.

"Where were you when the world stopped turning" is a song by Alan Jackson that epitomized the myriad of feelings Americans felt in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. I don't think I fully comprehended the horror that my grandparents felt on December 7, 1941 until that day. And like Pearl Harbor or the Kennedy assassination, it's one of those events that you'll always remember where you were and what you were doing when you first heard.

                                

For me, I was getting ready for a presentation I had to make at 10. I'd turned on WMRN-FM for some background music and heard Scott Shawver saying that if you were near a television, you should turn it on. It wasn't only the extremeness of having a radio announcer tell you to turn on your television that caught my attention, but the solemness of his voice that held a slight break as if he was hurting. And then I turned on the television ...

Jacque Laipply

I thought of that this morning as I listened to Jacque Laipply on the radio with Jeff Ruth. She was living and working in Manhattan then, along with her brother who worked in Tower 5 but regularly had meetings in Tower 2. He'd left his mother a message here in Marion after the first plane struck that he was okay because he was in the "other tower". Then the second plane hit and the phone service in Manhattan went down for hours. I can't even imagine what Ron and Effie went through wondering if the "other tower" was Tower 2 or even Tower 7. Thankfully, both of their children.   For many others, however, that was not the case.

So as you complete your work today and head for home, take a moment to reflect on that day. Make sure your children understand the importance of September 11 and of the sacrifices by so many firefighters, police officers, and others who died. But most importantly, as Alan Jackson so eloquently paraphrases from the book of Corinthians, "Faith,hope and love are some good things He gave us...and the greatest is love."
Take a moment tonight to hug your family and tell them you love them. 

Karen

Karen Herr

Manager, Downtown Marion, Inc.

205 West Center Street, Suite 130

Marion, OH 43302

740.382.2181

Festival Notes: The Downtown streets will be closing at 6:00 on Tuesday (today). Most of East Center Street, and the cross streets, will close at 5:00 
p.m. on Thursday for the parade. If you are coming Downtown after that time and don't wish to get caught in parade street closings & traffic, I suggest you come into the Downtown from the north or west. I've attached a Festival schedule of events (the only thing not on it is the Cornhole Tournament which takes place on Saturday ... if you have any further questions or need additional information, please go to www.popcornfestival.com.

The Marion Popcorn Festival will be popping into Downtown Marion this week for the 32nd time. I’d like to invite everyone to come and enjoy the festivities. While you’re Downtown for the Marion Popcorn Festival, I challenge each and every one of you to stop into a business you’ve never been in before. There is a wide variety of things to choose from … lots of OSU items, stained glass, jewelry, coffee & tea, musical instruments, clothing, books, Christian items, art, kid’s clothes, dolls, bicycles, pocket knives, depression glass, antiques, and great restaurants (see below). Be sure to visit the Wyandot Popcorn Museum located in Heritage Hall, or stop into the Palace Theater’s box office to check out their upcoming season.

Local Restaurants open during Festival: While there will be plenty of great fried food at the Festival, these wonderful Downtown Restaurants will be open for your eating pleasure:

Baires = Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, 8:15 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Candy Shack & Cafe' = Wednesday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Thursday - Saturday, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Infinity = Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, 11 - 2 & 5 - 9; Saturday, 5 - 10 p.m. Maury's on Main = Wednesday - Saturday, 8 a.m. - 11 p.m. The Warehouse = Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, 11 - 3 & 5 - 9; Saturday, 5 - 10 p.m.

Brief Festival History. If you are old enough to remember 1981, Marion was in the midst of a major economic downtown. Factories were closing, jobs were leaving, and you could hear people ‘joking,’ “The last one out of town, please turn off the lights.” The original Festival committee was made up of local businessmen, community leaders and the mayor. Their goal was to throw a festival that would be a positive for the Marion area, something that would boost the morale of the entire community. Then they took it one step further and decided to do something that every year would put the name of our community on the map by providing big name entertainment on a stage in Downtown Marion free of charge.

Wow! Think about that. They put the original Festival together in few short months – a process that now takes nearly a year – and set in motion a legacy that still benefits our community today. Now the second largest festival in the state and the largest popcorn festival in the world, I believe the original goals have been met in spades. Every year the entire city looks forward to seeing who’s coming to the main stage, who won the queen’s contest, what’s on the Showcase Stage or what food to eat. We often meet friends – and sometimes extended family – that we haven’t seen since the last Marion Popcorn Festival. And the Festival has definitely put Downtown Marion on the map. It’s been featured on three national networks and on radio stations, newspapers and magazines across the nation. We’ve had visitors from Scotland who came to Marion to not only see their favorite act, but to experience life in a typical American city. College roommates strewn across the country – with no ties to Marion – have met here during the Festival … and many of the entertainers themselves have walked the streets of our Downtown blogging positive words thereafter.

Remember ... where you eat, shop, and play matters ... please do it locally!

Karen

--

Karen Herr

Manager, Downtown Marion, Inc.

205 West Center Street, Suite 130

Marion, OH 43302

740.382.2181

CASH MOB!!! We'll be meeting tonight, Thursday, August 30, for a Cash Mob. Just meet me in the City parking lot on the corner of Church and Prospect streets about 5:15 - 5:30 pm. The store we'll be going to has LOTS of great items for both men and women. Remember, we just ask that you spend at least $10 to support a locally-owned store ... and have fun while doing it!

From there, we'll head over to Maury's on Main about 6:00 for our After Party. They are just opening to the public and will have a limited menu for us ... or you can simply grab something to drink ... and be one of the first to experience this new Downtown restaurant. I think it will become a great addition to our list of already fabulous restaurants ... all with something a little different to offer.

Close your eyes and imagine fresh green beans with ham & potatoes ... with cherry or cream pie for dessert! Well, you can pick up those green beans and pies at the Downtown Marion Market ... Friday from 4 - 7 p.m.  Having a cookout this weekend? The sweetcorn is fabulous, and Kevin tells me that he's now got watermelon and it's mouthwatering good. I know I managed to gain weight by just being near all of the fabulous pies, cookies and breads the past few weeks ... and we've got tomatoes, honey, goat milk soap, quilts, jewelry, mums, noodles and more!

GO BUCKS!! It's football season, and there are many stores in Downtown Marion which carry unique and interesting OSU items, including Home Again Stained Glass & More, Southern Accents in Charleston Place, Crown Tower, Carroll's Jewelers, This N That, and probably more that I've forgotten. Why go out of town when you have a plethora of items in a wide variety of price ranges? GO BUCKS!!

Remember, where you eat, shop and play truly matters ... please do it locally!

Karen

--

Karen Herr

Manager, Downtown Marion, Inc.

205 West Center Street, Suite 130

Marion, OH 43302

740.382.2181

DOWNTOWN NEWS

FRIDAY AUGUST 24th,2012

We had 13 vendors last week at the Downtown Marion Market with peaches, corn, tomatoes, pumpkin bread, pies, noodles, honey, quilts, scent tarts, hair clips, and much more. This week, I believe we'll have at least two or three new vendors with some additional baked goods, possibly some concert statues, Amish rugs, and I think Mark is bringing some mums.

Markets will run from 4 - 7 p.m. every Friday through October 12 (except for Marion Popcorn Festival weekend) . Vendors will be located on the Center Street sidewalks beginning at Main, and then flow west down Center Street. By setting up on the sidewalks, we create an open market atmosphere with nearby parking.

Many of the Downtown businesses are open until 6 p.m., including Crown Tower, Just for Kidz, The Guild, Studio Montage, Present & Past Home Decor, and Downtown Barbershop. Others who normally close at 5 are staying open a little later on Fridays.

Why cook on Friday when there are so many excellent choices Downtown? Open Fridays until about 6 p.m., I know The Candy Shack & Cafe' (inside Charleston Place) has been doing a lot of takeout (and they deliver to vendors) ... and they also have Riverside Ice Cream if you'd like to munch on a cone while browsing. Baires on South Main opens at 5 p.m. with outside as well as inside seating ... great food with an Argentinian flair ... be sure to at least grab some of her homemade chips to munch on. Also opening at 5 p.m. are Infinity in the historic Harding Hotel and the Warehouse located in the former inter urban railway building on West Center ... both excellent, excellent dinner choices that wouldn't hesitate to recommend.

If you are interested in becoming a vendor of the Downtown Marion Market with anything handmade, homemade or homegrown, please contact either myself (382.2181 or Cindy at 361.2940).

Cash Mob next Thursday, August 30 ... meet in the city parking lot about 5:15 - 5:30. I'll get you more on that next week, but mark your calendars now.

The Marion County Historical Society is sponsoring a prairie tour this Sunday, August 26, of the Trella Romine Prairie Preserve near Green Camp. It will start at 1:00 P.M and continue until approximately 3 p.m.

The Trella Romine Prairie Preserve is also a mile-long strip along the abandoned Erie/Dayton Railroad right-of-way near corner of State Routes 203 and 739 (southwest area of Marion County). This area contains about two acres and over 80 native species of prairie plants. Attendees will meet near the Blockhouse marker on 203. In August, the prairie is close to full maturity, and when encountering a prairie for the first time, you can hardly believe your eyes at the abundance of movement, color, birds and butterflies. The tour can be driven or walked.

Remember this weekend at the Palace (Sunday, August 26, 3:00 p.m.) is Ice Cream Sunday: Gaither-Style. A Gospel, praise and worship concert and sing-a-long featuring vocalists and musicians from Marion and neighboring counties and directed by Ryan J Ratliff. The music is in the style of traditional hymns, praise and contemporary worship, and of course, The Gaithers. Ice Cream Social Following in the May Pavilion--first scoop included in the price of admission... which is $15!

Where you eat, shop and play matters ... do it locally!

Karen

--

Karen Herr

Manager, Downtown Marion, Inc.

205 West Center Street, Suite 130

Marion, OH 43302

740.382.2181

Downtown Marion Market
Every Friday! Through Oct. 12th
4:00-7:00 PM

 I asked last week what tomatoes, honey, yummy pies, delicious scents, hair bows, and green beans have in common? Well, if you came to the Downtown Marion Market last week you would have found all of those items and more. Everyone who attended last week seemed pleased ... both from a buyers and a vendors prospective. Several customers commented to me about the reasonable prices and variety of items. Vendors were pleased with the amount of produce and merchandise that was purchased even though the skies were a little overcast. This week's weather looks to be good with skies clearing after mid-morning and highs in the 70s.

Markets will run from 4 - 7 p.m. every Friday through October 12 (except for Marion Popcorn Festival weekend) . Vendors will be located on the Center Street sidewalks beginning at Main, and then flow west down Center Street. By setting up on the sidewalks, we create an open market atmosphere with nearby parking.

NEW THIS WEEK: Opossum will be providing entertainment, at the corner of Main & Center, as well as information on their Marion Tallgrass Trail benefit. [The Marion Tallgrass Trail will eventually stretch 12 miles from the trail head on Holland Road to Hardin County. This is the kind of quality of life improvement for our community that not only benefits people in Marion County, but will attract visitors and potential new businesses to Marion, as well.]

If you are interested in becoming a vendor of the Downtown Marion Market with anything handmade, homemade or homegrown, please contact either myself (740.382.2181 or Cindy at 740.361.2940).
Remember also: There are a variety of restaurants within a short distance of the market, including Baires on South Main, The Candy Shack & Café inside Charleston Place, Infinity in the historic Harding Hotel, and the Warehouse located in the former inter urban railway building on West Center. 

Within a few weeks, another restaurant, Maury’s on Main, will be opening on South Main Street. Many of the stores will be having sidewalk sales, as well. So, come early and visit Heritage Hall and the Wyandot Popcorn Museum … then browse the market … do a little shopping … grab a bite to eat ... and top off the evening by going to the Palace Theatre as there is generally going on most Friday evenings.

Speaking of the Palace ... the movie this weekend is Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted. Show times are 7:30 Friday, and 2:00 & 7:30 on Saturday & Sunday. Cost is $4 Adults; $2 Kids 12 & under; and $3 for Seniors 62 & older.

Next weekend at the Palace (Sunday, August 26, 3:00 p.m.) is Ice Cream Sunday: Gaither-Style. A Gospel, praise and worship concert and sing-a-long featuring vocalists and musicians from Marion and neighboring counties and directed by Ryan J Ratliff. The music is in the style of traditional hymns, praise and contemporary worship, and of course, The Gaithers. Come to revive your soul, energy, and toes, while you sit back and sing along, or jump up and dance in the aisles. And don’t worry...any energy you exert will be replenished by an ice cream social in the May Pavilion immediately following the concert sing-a-long. Appropriate for all ages, all faiths, and anyone ready for some meaningful, musical moments. Ice Cream Social Following in the May Pavilion--first scoop included in the price of admission... which is $15! 

FEATURED VOCALISTS: Ann Schertzer, Daniel Bradshaw, Dustin Rawlins, Jami Addison-Rawlins, Jeannette Muzzalupo, Jeff Rone, Kirstin Flaglor-Bloom, Ryan J Ratliff SPECIAL APPEARANCES: Martis Bracy, Shannel Bracy-Malcom

CHURCHES INVOLVED: Abundant Life Assembly of God, Dayspring Wesleyan, Emanuel Lutheran Church, Epworth United Methodist Church, First Church of the Nazarene, First Presbyterian Church, Grace Brethren Church of Columbus, Grand Prairie Baptist Church, Grove City United Methodist Church, King's Temple Apostolic Church, La Rue United Methodist Church, Prospect Street United Methodist Church, St. Mary Catholic Church, Trinity Baptist Church

SPONSORED IN PART BY: Abundant Life Assembly, Cogburn Electric, Don & Lannette Davis, Emanuel Lutheran Church, Senior Services Insurance Agency/Robert L. Stump and WMRN-AM.

Remember ... where you eat, shop and play matters ... do it locally!

Karen

--

Karen Herr

Manager, Downtown Marion, Inc.

205 West Center Street, Suite 130

Marion, OH 43302

740.382.2181

The Olympics are starting this week and you may recall the recent news stories about how many were upset because the outfits chosen for our athletes to wear in opening ceremonies were not made in the U.S. However, so many of us are guilty of jumping in the car and heading to a "foreign" city to do our shopping or eat out without even considering what we have here in Marion. Attached is information on two ways we can begin to change those habits.

First, we have a Cash Mob Thursday evening (July 26). Simply meet here in the Chamber parking lot between 5:15 & 5:30 and we'll proceed to our mob location! The After Party will be at Circa anytime after 5:30. You can join us for one or both parts of the event! I've attached a poster covering the next few weeks! Hope you will join us in a fun way to support local business.

Second, many of our local efforts are supported by locally-owned businesses. Here is another case in point. TWIG II from Marion General Hospital is having fundraiser with Scioto Shoe Mart this Friday & Saturday. If anyone brings in the attached paper or says they are a friend of TWIG, a donation is made to Twig II from all sales. Donations will go toward purchasing items needed at the hospital. TWIG II's focus is on children -- toys for all kids coming into the ER, X-ray, Surgery, etc. as well as other donations. So ... here is your perfect opportunity to shop local while helping a local non-profit help local children. Now ... is there any better excuse to buy shoes?

Don't forget that the War of 1812 continues to be the exhibit at the Marion County Historical Society. Open Wednesday - Sunday from 1 - 4 p.m., I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how interesting this exhibit truly is. Plus, you get the Popcorn Museum, as well!

The movie at the Palace this weekend is: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. A small group of British retirees learn that the life they want to live might not be the life they need to live after pooling their resources to spend their twilight years in a unique setting located in India. Upon arriving at the once-opulent Marigold Hotel, however, the eager pensioners come to realize that rumors of the building's restoration have been greatly exaggerated. But just when it starts to seem that the privileged seniors have been swindled out of their life savings, they summon the courage to sever their ties to the past, and embrace their new life with a sense of wonder and adventure. Tom Wilkinson, Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, and Dev Patel star in this uplifting comedy-drama from director John Madden (The Debt, Shakespeare in Love). ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi Rated PG-13 for Sexual Content and Language Run time 124 minutes Show times are Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 7:30 and Saturday & Sunday @ 2:00. Cost is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors, and $2 for children.

There are lots of things happening this weekend around Marion, including a Concert in the Park at McKinley Park and an AKC Dog Show at the Marion County Fairgrounds. Just go to www.visitmarionohio.com and click on "Calendar" for a complete list.

Remember, where you eat, shop and play truly matters ... do it locally!

Karen

Karen Herr

Manager, Downtown Marion, Inc.

205 West Center Street, Suite 130

Marion, OH 43302

740.382.2181