Because Downtown Marion matters.

There are a host of ghostly & ghoulish things to do in downtown Marion in the coming weeks ... okay, so some have absolutely nothing to do with Halloween ... but there's aways something fun and interesting going on in Downtown Marion!

"Ghost Speak" -- a book signing of ghosts and grave walking by local author Carroll Neidhardt of Marion will take place today, Thursday, October 20, from 4 - 7 p.m. at Books on Center, 150 West Center Street. Dramatic readings and refreshments offered -- for additional information call 382.6875.

If you need more ghostly encounters, the Victorianna Bed & Breakfast at 343 South State Street in Marion will be hosting a more traditional Victorian Halloween on Thursday, October 27, from 6 - 9 p.m. Stories of burial traditions and ghost stories will be shared by Carrol Neidhardt. There will be refreshments, as well as a fortune teller (for fun & frivolity, of course!). Cost is $3 adults, $1 students/children 12 & under. There ARE rooms with graves available there and, if you survive the night, you get breakfast! Call 382-2430 for further information.

Not so ghoulish will be the movie at the Palace Theatre this weekend ... Winnie the Pooh will be shown at 2 & 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Sunday, October 21 & 23. This all-new movie features the timeless charm, wit and whimsy of the original featurettes and reunites audiences with the philosophical “bear of very little brain” and friends Tigger, Rabbit, Piglet, Owl, Kanga, Roo—and last, but certainly not least, Eeyore, who has lost his tail. “Ever have one of those days where you just can’t win, Eeyore?” asks Pooh. Owl sends the whole gang on a wild quest to save Christopher Robin from an imaginary culprit. It turns out to be a very busy day for a bear who simply set out to find some honey. It's rate G and runs just a little over an hour. $4 for adults, $3 for seniors, and $2 for children 12 & under.

Also at the Palace this weekend will be vocaldente. Unlike other a cappella groups, the members of vocaldente don’t rely on technical devices, amplifiers and special effects. Performing a cappella without microphones in a purely acoustic format, their repertoire is contemporary, covering pop and rock music from the past eight decades, while also taking their audience on a captivating journey back to the Roaring Twenties. vocaldente -- Germany’s most successful a cappella export. Don’t miss this sound sensation! (Note: This performance is now being held in the May Pavilion. Those with advance tickets can pick up their replacement tickets at the Will Call table inside the Pavilion.)

Don't forget Trick or Treat at most Downtown businesses on Saturday, October 29. Kids and adults in costume will get treated!

Also on Saturday, October 29, will be a Medication Disposal Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will take place in the rear parking lot of the Marion County Building at 222 West Center Street. You can bring your expired and unused prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, including pills, liquids and syringes. Law enforcement officers will dispose of the medication in a safe, legal, and environmentally friendly manner with no questions asked. Containers will be recycles with your identity protected. This is a great service for our community, so please take advantage of this opportunity if you have unused medications.

The holiday season is fast approaching, and if you'd like to participate in the Marion Civic Chorus' annual presentation of Handel's The Messiah contact Ednita Vaflor at 389-4837 .... or just show up for the first rehearsal at First United Church of Christ, 326 South Prospect Street, from 2 - 4 p.m. on Sunday October 30. She will run through to place you in your proper vocal section. From that point, rehearsals are 2 - 4 every Sunday afternoon in November at the First United Church of Christ. The performance day at the Palace is on Sunday, November 27. Gary Iams will again be serving at this year's conductor with full orchestra and solos as in years past.

This will be the 70th anniversary performance of The Messiah here in Marion, and from what I understand it has the honored distinction of the longest continuing consecutive performance of this work in the nation. Wow! It's always a fabulous show, so plan on attending!

No matter what your age, you can join the Marion Young Professionals for an evening of art, wine, and desserts on Thursday, November 10, from 6 - 9 p.m. They will be showcasing the various talents of local artists, wine by Shamrock Vineyard, and desserts by Cari Newton. This special event will take place Downtown at 127 North Prospect Street — Lew Lause’s former studio, building behind APEX Church. If you'd like to attend, "Like" the Marion Young Professionals on Facebook to get your personal invitation. Or if you would prefer the old-fashioned way, you can also call Cara at 225-7733. Don’t miss this opportunity to socialize and learn more about this dynamic group of Marion's Young Professionals!

Wow! There so much, and I haven't even covered everything! So come Downtown and take advantage of one of these great events. Why? Because Downtown Marion matters.