Downtown Marion Inc.

Recognizing Our Past & Redefining Our Future

Downtown Marion, Inc. is a 501 c3 nonprofit organization in good standing. We are driven by the understanding that all strong cities must create and support vibrant downtowns. Our 22-member volunteer board is comprised of business persons, civic-minded citizens, and dedicated political figures. We support all developers, businesses, and civic organizations equally and fairly.
Over half of our financial support comes from businesses and individuals within our community. Contributions to Downtown Marion, Inc. are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

Downtown Marion Dollars

Give the experience of Downtown Marion’s unique restaurants, shops, entertainment and more to friends, family, employees, and clients in one simple digital Community Gift Card.

Participating in this program means supporting the heart of what makes our community unique. The purchase of a Downtown Marion Dollars Community Card creates a pool of cash that local businesses in Downtown Marion can rely on. Studies have shown that local independent retailers recirculate 47% of their revenue back into the community, while only 14% of national chains’ revenue stays in the community. More dramatically, restaurants recirculate 73% of their revenue back into the community, versus only 30% for national chains.

By supporting local businesses, more money continues circulating through the local community—this is achieved through a combination of profits paid to local business owners, wages paid to local workers, goods and services procured locally for internal use or resale, and charitable giving within the community. If you’re looking for a way to do some good or want to know how you can help the community you love, send a Downtown Marion Dollars Community Card! For more information or to participate as a merchant in the program, Downtown Marion Manager, Allen Wilson by emailing manager@downtownmarion.com

LEAP INTO LAUGHTER

Featuring Mike Paramore

Returning on February 3, 2024!

Mike is the guy you fight to sit next to in a movie theatre, on a long car ride, or during a boring lecture. His natural ability to infuse everyday situations with energetic, uplifting humor, combined with a natural ability to put you at ease is key to his personal brand of comedy. His smooth delivery and powerful punchlines make him a force in stand-up comedy.

Heavy Hors D’oeuvres are included with your ticket purchase. Cash bar will be available.

Follow the link below to get your tickets today or scan our QR code!

Melt Your Heart Chocolate Walk

Indulge in a chocolate lover's dream at the Melt Your Heart Chocolate Walk! Join us in Historic Downtown Marion starting at the Marion Area Convention & Visitors located at 198 West Center Street, Marion, OH for a delightful event that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Take a leisurely stroll through Historic Downtown Marion, where you can sample a delectable array of chocolates from Downtown Marion Business owners. From rich truffles to creamy fudge, this event is a chocoholic's paradise. Don't miss out on this opportunity to treat yourself and discover new chocolate delights. Bring your friends and family for a day of pure indulgence!

How does the walk work?

Participants who buy tickets will be given:
- A map of the participating merchants that will also incorporate a punch card to encourage them to visit all of the locations.
- A wristband to help the merchants know you're participating, over 21 will be a different color - for those merchants offering an adult beverage.
- A gift bag to collect your goodies.
- A chance to win a downtown prize package.

Tickets are $18.00 per person pre-sale, and $20.00 per person day of the event. All tickets must be redeemed by 3 pm the day of the event to ensure you have enough time to complete the walk. For additional questions please reach out to Downtown Manager Allen Wilson by emailing, manager@downtownmarion.com or by calling 740.802.7329

Please follow the link below to purchase your tickets today!

Why invest in Downtown Marion Inc? 

All strong and vital communities possess strong and vital downtowns…without exception!

● 42 new retail stores, restaurants, public education entities, and professional services businesses since 2018

●      Over 350 new full and part-time positions responsible for over $11 million in wages and salaries since 2018 

Downtown Marion has become the cultural hub of our community

●      2000-3000 of all ages at each Third Thursday event

● Weekly farmer’s markets

● Monster March Trick or Treat serves over 2000 children each year

● Loft Tours

● Annual 5k race

● 3000 attend the new nighttime Christmas Parade

● 1500 at the annual Tree Lighting

● All participating churches report large crowds for the annual Holiday Church Tours

● 400 children visit Santa at his house in Founders Park and each receives a present

● Two Saturdays of Secret Shopper for children during the Christmas season

● Highly successful Taste of Marion promotes downtown restaurants

● 108 downtown buildings are now named to the National Register of Historic Places as of 2022…aggressively protecting our history!

 Keeping local dollars within our community

● Downtown merchants have enjoyed great staying power in the past five years

● Over 40 buildings have changed ownership in the past five years

● Downtown real estate has tripled in value over the past decade

● Downtown merchants report a dramatic increase in out-of-town customers

Downtown Marion, Inc. is a 501 (c) 3 organization in good standing. Your investment in DMI will be governed and managed by a 22-member volunteer board of directors comprised of civic leaders, city and county elected officials, downtown merchants, and professional community development strategists. Donations to Downtown Marion, Inc. are tax deductible as allowed by law.

Downtown Marion Sponsors

Looking for more info?

Fill out the form below, or Contact Us if you have any questions on how to get involved with Downtown Marion, Inc.