Calendar of Events 2009

The Town of Marion, Virginia

(Weather and other events may alter schedule. Please call ahead to confirm details 276-783-4190)

Saturdays May through October -- Marion Regional Farmers’ Market Buy local produce, fruits, meats, flowers, handmade crafts, and more at our own Market on the Town Square Parking Lot each Saturday morning from Mother’s Day through October from 8 til noon, and Tuesday evenings during peak season.

Second Fridays April through December -- “Alive After 5: Downtown Marion Second Fridays ArtWalk 2009” Arts, crafts, jewelry, music, food, and more on the second Friday of each month May – October, starting at the Appalachian Spirit Gallery next to Town Hall and continuing throughout the Downtown District at participating shops and businesses.

May 14 Marion Downtown 14^th Annual Meeting and Awards Gala, time and location tba. Come celebrate Marion Downtown!

May 25 Memorial Day Parade. Parade down Main Street begins at 10am, followed by hot dog cookout and special program at VFW Post 4667 on Goolsby Street. Admission is free

May 29 “Seniors Lunchtime on the Lawn”, sponsored by area agencies on aging and the Town of Marion.! Free lunch and music for all area senior citizens at Riverbend Park. 11am – 1pm. Admission is free.

Fridays in June “Lunchtime on the Lawn” Summer Concert Series. Live music and lunch on the Courthouse Square. Noon – 1pm. Admission is free.

Wednesday, June 24 Marion Night of the Smyth County Celebration. Part of a weeklong celebration of live local music, culminating with the “Song of the Mountains” Bluegrass Festival at Davis Valley Winery, always the last weekend in June.

July 4 “Marion’s Hometown Independence Day Celebration”. Live music and fireworks spectacular at MSHS Stadium. 6pm – 10pm. Admission is free.

July 17 - 19 Hungry Mother Arts & Crafts Festival at Hungry Mother State Park and Marion Downtown Days Summer Festival. 10am – 5pm each day, plus evening activities. Park downtown and ride the free shuttle to the Park all weekend! Activities at both venues all weekend. Arts, crafts, and food booths, live music at the Park. Friday night downtown features Chili Championship, Show ‘n’ Shine vehicle show, and street dance with Phantom! Saturday features sidewalk sales, vendors, and a special evening live music and special menus at downtown eateries. Children’s theater at the historic Lincoln Theatre in the heart of downtown. Parking fee at Hungry Mother State Park. Entry fee for booth vendors, chili teams, Lincoln performance, and vehicle show participants.

September 11 “8th Annual Smyth County Patriot’s Day Commemoration”, 6:00pm, Town Hall in historic Downtown Marion. Live patriotic music, special guest speakers, and a tribute to our troops, veterans, and emergency services personnel. (Admission is free).

October 31 “Halloween Madness” Trick-or-Treating in historic downtown Marion. 11am – 1pm. All kids 12 and under in costume accompanied by an adult are invited to visit participating businesses for free goodies! Special events at the Farmers Market, too!

September – November “The 4th Annual Sherwood Anderson Festival” Short story contest, guest lecturers, writer’s workshops.

November 20 - 22 “Shop At Home” Christmas Preview, with special sales, evening hours, live caroling, hotel packages, “The Lighting of Main”, and a special foods at participating businesses. Parade on Sunday, November 22 at 3pm.

December 5 & 6 Christmas Open House Special sales, live music, food vendors, Smyth County Museum and Historical Society House Tour

All events and schedules are subject to change. Please visit our website at www.mariondowntown.org or call (276) 783-4190 for the latest information!