MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW) — Downtown Marion is abloom in red, white and blue this summer – in time for Marion’s America 250 celebrations and thanks to more than four dozen volunteers of Downtown Marion, Inc.’s adopt-a-flowerbed program. The 2026 winners have recently been selected.
The downtown adopt-a-flowerbed program is in its fourth year and includes three dozen planting sites throughout the downtown. The contest is coordinated by Downtown Marion’s design committee, which is tasked with improving the aesthetics of the downtown streetscapes. Two members of the committee with design backgrounds, Lori Stevenson and Pat Case, served as this year’s judges.
First place was awarded to Junior Service Guild (JSG) for their floral display at the southwest corner of State and Center streets. According to Stevenson, JSG has participated every year and plants and redecorates year-round to match the season. “They always incorporate attractive decorations in addition to their flowers and were exceptionally on-theme this year,” she said.
Second place has been awarded to a first-time participant group from First Presbyterian Church, led by Mary Ann Jenkins. Their flowerbed in front of the church on South Prospect Street is an immaculately maintained, lush and varied display of red, white, and blue flowers.
Third place is a flowerbed on the west side of the courthouse created by Wings of an Angel. This organization, which serves disabled adults, created an American flag from red, white, and blue flowers and handmade stepping stones to recognize the participants of their RISE program who helped with the planting.
According to Stevenson and Case, some very difficult choices had to be made, so they wish to award honorable mentions to Jennifer Fosnaugh of 3rd Generation Movers and the team from Yachiyo-Motherson led by Dee Howard. These beds are located on the east side of the County Building and at the northwest corner of S. Main and Church streets. Both are overflowing with flowers for the America 250 theme.
Downtown Marion would also like to recognize Tom Trout of the City of Marion for watering the adopted flowerbeds all season. Trout plants and maintains dozens of large planters throughout the downtown and is the driving force behind the three petunia trees added last week to Founders Park. The structures were built at Marion Correctional Institution and the flowers purchased with a grant from Marion Community Foundation. Additionally, the Altrusa Club of Marion plants the 40+ flower baskets on the light poles in downtown.
“The overall effect,” said Stevenson, “is an impactful and beautiful display of red, white, and blue throughout the downtown as we celebrate America 250 in Marion. We wish to thank our large and enthusiastic group of volunteers for their time and green thumbs and for caring about downtown Marion.”
Participants in this year’s adopt-a-flowerbed program, in addition to the winners, include: Robbie Apt, Coldwell Banker Realty, Boys & Girls Club of Marion, Gary Cook, Scott Crider, Debbie Dailey, Amber Deem, Paige Endsley and the Marion County Board of Developmental Disabilities’ siblings group, First Citizens National Bank, Graphics Packaging, Taryn Hensel, Wendy Howell for G&J Auto Body, City of Marion, Marion County Recycling & Litter Prevention, Marion Lions Club, OSU Extension, Jennifer Prather, Elaine Strine, Stump Senior Services Agency, TRECA, United Federal Credit Union, United Way of Marion County, and Cheryl Wickersham.
Downtown Marion, Inc. (DMI) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to transform Downtown Marion into a thriving, vibrant destination for shopping, dining, entertainment, and cultural experiences. Led by a 22-member volunteer board of directors, DMI fosters economic growth, supports local businesses, and enhances community engagement by creating a welcoming and dynamic downtown for residents and visitors alike. The executive director is Allen Wilson. Those interested in volunteering with DMI can get more information by calling 740-802-7329.
