Staff writer
Community organizers and businesses are preparing for the first of what they hope becomes an annual tradition called Christmas Celebration in Marion.
Events will be from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, primarily downtown. This year’s theme is “Christmas Past is Christmas Present in Marion.” Organizers have also adopted a slogan, “May all your Christmases be Marion bright.”
Jeanice Thomas and Jan Davis got the idea while planning the first Art and Music Stroll in June. They said the Christmas event is similar, with adjustments made because of the weather. There will be musicians playing and art on display in many downtown businesses, and a variety of Christmas- and winter-related collections will be on display.
The organizers rented the building at 125 E. Main St. to serve as one of the primary stops for people participating in the event. Celtic musical group Knocknasheega will perform, blown glass Christmas ornaments will be displayed, and a puppet show will be performed, along with other activities.
Marion native Amy Goering will show her oil paintings and speak with visitors at Gallery 101.
Davis said 27 businesses are participating and will be decorated for the events.
In addition to restaurants participating in the event, the Marion Boy Scout troop will serve hot dogs at Freedom Park, and the American Legion post will have soup and cinnamon rolls at the American Legion hall. The Boy Scouts will also collect worn American flags for a retirement ceremony by the American Legion.
The event will wrap up with a parade to Central Park led by Santa Claus. Thomas said there were 12 entries in the parade as of Friday. She and Davis hope the parade audience will follow to the park, where there will be treats for children, photo opportunities with Santa, hot cocoa, and caroling.
For more information, contact Davis at (620) 382-7501 or Thomas at (620) 382-3206.