MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—Marion is set to celebrate its achievement of being named the “Strongest Town in North America for 2025” with a large-scale, free community event this weekend. The celebration, which organizers say is a thank-you to residents for their collective efforts, will take place at Lincoln Park from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The event will feature a range of free activities and amenities for the public. Attendees can enjoy complimentary BBQ pork sandwiches, chips, water, and cookies, with additional desserts available from several food trucks. Organizers have prepared enough food and drinks to serve up to 5,000 people. All food and beverages will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Families are encouraged to attend, as the event includes free entertainment throughout the day and free bounce houses for children. In addition, the Lincoln Park Aquatic Center will offer free swimming, also on a first-come, first-served basis, with a maximum capacity of 480 people.
To accommodate the expected crowd, the south side of Lincoln Park will be closed to traffic, creating a safe event space. Parking will be available at the ball fields and the Aquatic Center. For those needing additional parking, lots at the Marion County Fairgrounds will be utilized. The city will operate three “Love Your City” buses to shuttle attendees between the fairgrounds and Lincoln Park.
Upon arrival, attendees should visit the “City of Marion – Love Your City Tent” to receive their food and dessert tickets, with one ticket provided per person while supplies last.
“This is something all of us have put a lot of work into,” organizers stated. “We wanted to give back to our community. Let’s have a lot of fun and celebrate Marion!”