'Fall Into Marion' Parade Happening in Uptown Marion on Saturday; Several Other Events Planned in September

The "Fall Into Marion" Parade sponsored by Farmers State Bank will take place in Uptown Marion this Saturday, Sept. 12, at 10 a.m. This year's theme celebrates our nation's 250th anniversary.

The parade will line up at the corner of 1st Avenue and 15th Street. It will travel north on 15th Street and then west on 6th Avenue from 15th Street to 9th Street. Both Marion and Linn-Mar High School marching bands will be featured, along with a variety of nonprofits, businesses and organizations.

There is no parking along the parade route from 5 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Parking is available on the side streets and in any City-owned parking lots.

15th Street between Grand Avenue and 1st Avenue will be closed to thru traffic from 7:30-11 a.m. on Saturday. Drivers will not be able to cross side streets or travel south on 15th Street once it closes. Those staging a parade entry or dropping off parade participants should access 15th Street at Grand Avenue.

The parade route will close at 9:45 a.m. on Saturday. Traffic will not be able to travel north/south across 6th Avenue on streets that intersect the parade route until it concludes. Drivers are encouraged to seek alternate routes.

Spectators are encouraged to find a spot anywhere along the parade route to enjoy the parade. Bleachers will be set up in the former library lot on 6th Avenue. The judges and announcer stand will be located in front of the Depot on 6th Avenue.

To maintain a safe environment, spectators are asked to sit behind the curb and not in the street.

Other "Fall Into Marion" events happening in September include:

Pop-Up Acts in the Artway
sponsored by Iowa Appliance Center and Affordable Heating and Cooling
Friday, Sept. 11, 18, Uptown Artway
Enjoy a night out on the town listening to live music from 6-8 p.m. Joelle will perform on Friday, Sept. 11 and Boot Jack Duo will perform on Friday, Sept. 18.

Marion Farmers Market
Saturday, Sept. 12, 19, 26, Willowood Park
Visit your neighborhood farmers market each Saturday. Find produce, baked goods, meats, wine and more between 8-11 a.m. each week.

Fall Into Marion Parade
sponsored by Farmers State Bank
Saturday, Sept. 12, Uptown Marion
Enjoy the festive atmosphere that comes with a parade, including appearances by the Marion and Linn-Mar High School marching bands. The parade starts at 10 a.m.

Spark in the Park Multicultural Festival
hosted by YENKO
Sunday, Sept. 13, Klopfenstein Amphitheater at Lowe Park
Celebrate culture and ignite wellness with international food, music, wellness sessions, sports, a fashion show and more. This free event goes from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Oktoberfest
sponsored by Club Pilates
Saturday, Sept. 19, 7th Avenue between 10th & 12th Streets
Oktoberfest will be held from noon-3 p.m. with a VIP hour from 11 a.m.-noon. The event will feature several breweries sampling their craft in Uptown Marion along with traditional and non-traditional German games. Visit marioncc.org to purchase tickets. Must be 21+.

Uptown Marion Market
sponsored by Marion Chamber Platinum Community Partners
Saturday, Sept. 26, 7th Avenue between 10th and 12th Streets
Shop local and shop fresh at the Uptown Marion Market. This festival-style market, hosted by the Marion Chamber, offers fresh produce, baked goods and artisan items from 8 a.m. - noon.

Dog Fashion Show
sponsored by Apple Creek Canine Resort
Saturday, Sept. 26, Central Plaza at City Square Park
Have a furry friend? Dress them in their best red, white and blue and enter them in the Dog Fashion Show happening at 10 a.m. Register the day of or online at cityofmarion.org/fallintomarion.

Picnic on the Prairie
Saturday, Sept. 26, Klopfenstein Amphitheater at Lowe Park
Join the Marion Arts Council at Lowe Park for a fun-filled evening of live music and art. This event will have face paint, a caricaturist, crafts with Artistic Fusion, food trucks and more! Enjoy a performance by the Cedar Rapids Community Orchestra at 7 p.m. Bring your lawn chair and a friend and enjoy a beautiful night of live music and art.

Classic Car Show & Shine
Sunday, Sept. 27, Thomas Park
Join the Cedar Rapids Corvette Club for an all-car cruise-in at Thomas Park from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Suggested donation to benefit Eastern Iowa Honor Flights. If it rains, the show will be canceled.