Marion Uptown Market returns Saturday on new festival street

The Uptown Marion Market will use the new Seventh Avenue festival street when it returns on Saturday.

The market, which takes place one Saturday a month over the course of the summer, runs from 8 a.m. to noon.

This year, over 35 local vendors will be selling fresh produce, wine, honey, baked goods and other artisan items.

Marion Chamber Director of Member Services Tami Schlamp said it’s exciting to be back at the market’s normal location around City Square Park.

“The market has had to move around the last couple of years because of the pandemic and construction,” Schlamp said. “This year, we are very excited to have our full offering of activities and vendors return.”

Last year, the market had to use a city-owned parking lot at Eighth Avenue and 12th Street. The year prior, the market was held on Sixth Avenue.

“We will be taking advantage of the new festival street by placing vendors directly on Seventh Avenue and into City Square Park,” Schlamp added. “I think this event will really showcase Marion’s new streetscape.”

Marion streetscape work and other construction continues this summer, all around the Uptown area, but the market will still be accessible, Schlamp said.

“There will still be some construction along 10th Street and further down Seventh Avenue throughout the summer,” she said. “The market will be easily accessible from the 11th Street plaza area and east of 12th Street.”

In addition to a few dozen vendors, the opening market also will feature balloon artistry, face painting and steel drum performances from Pandelirium as well as performances from the Heart of Marion Community Choir.

For those wanting to get up bright and early, the Marion Heritage Center is hosting its annual pancake breakfast at the depot in City Square Park from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tickets for the breakfast are $8 and can be purchased in advance at the Heritage Center or the day of the event.

The Power of Produce also returns to the market this year in partnership with the Linn County Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. The POP Club provides opportunities for children to learn and engage in the local food system by talking with local farmers, playing educational games and seeing demonstrations while becoming exposed to new fruits and vegetables.

The Uptown Marion Market also takes place on July 9, Aug. 13 and Sept. 24.

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