With new farmers market announcement, Marion will have two

 City Square Park in Marion seems a natural location for a farmers market. The site of summer concerts, the Marion Arts Festival and an activities point for the city's Swamp Fox Festival, the park is a central gathering spot that maintains a small town feel for the growing community.

   So an announcement today that a farmers market will begin in City Square Park will likely be welcome news for residents and owners of antiques shops and other nearby businesses that can feed off the extra foot traffic. But Marion has had a longtime, successful farmers market at the edge of town, and some of the new downtown markets – or uptown, as the Marion Chamber of Commerce calls the site - will coincide with dates of the longstanding one. That won't change, said market coordinator Pat Carlson.

  Carlson said farmers market vendors were notified of the new market and most are opting to stick with their longtime venue at the East End Shopping Center, 3375 Seventh Ave. That location was built specifically for farmers markets in the 1970s, she said. Vendors cited convenient parking and restrooms and being under the cover of the market building as reasons for wanting to stay.  Carlson said some vendors with enough helpers may have sites at both locations. Marion Farmers Markets at the old site are 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays and 8 to 11:30 a.m. Saturdays, from May through September.

    Here is information about the new Uptown Marion Market, sent by Rachel Krug, Director of Member Services for the Marion Chamber of Commerce:

 February 23, 2010 – The Marion Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce a new event happening in Uptown Marion this summer.  The Uptown Marion Market presented by St. Luke's Hospital is happening the second Saturday of each month, June – August (June 12, July 10 and August 14, 2010) from 7:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in Uptown Marion's City Square Park.

 The Uptown Marion Market will feature fresh produce, baked goods, honey, flowers, plants, meat, wines and an array of artisan items.  In addition, food vendors will be onsite to offer a variety of take-and-eat items. The market will also feature live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, children's entertainment and healthy living programming for all ages.

 “The Marion Chamber is proud to partner with St. Luke's Hospital to bring this long awaited event to our community.  During Imagine8, Marion's community visioning process, the concept of an Uptown Farmers Market was suggested by many community members.  Our presenting sponsor, St. Luke's Hospital, makes it possible to bring this event to life and enhance it with great programming,” stated Marion Chamber of Commerce president Jill Ackerman.

 Vendors who are interested in participating in the Uptown Marion Market should contact the Marion Chamber of Commerce at 319-377-6316.  More event information including a listing of vendors and programming will be available in April.

 The mission of the Marion Chamber of Commerce is to provide leadership and advocacy to ensure a growing business environment and to enhance the quality of life in Marion.