By Betsy Finklea
The Historic Marion Revitalization Association (HMRA) held their annual meeting at their Rise and Shine event at Southern Belle and Beaus Children’s Boutique this morning (Wednesday).
HRMA Executive Director Kelly Page talked about the many things that have been accomplished during the past year and the exciting things they have happening now and coming up.
Page said that current information about the HMRA is on their website (https://www.theswampfox.org/), their page on Facebook, and their newsletter.
The Late Night Shopping events, which are held on the first Thursday of each month have had huge growth, Page said. Stores extend their hours on these days from 5-7 p.m. and some offer a special discount or promotion during those hours. The chamber donates checks which are given away the next day to a lucky shopper who took advantage of the late night shopping. She said she is very proud of these events and appreciates the growth that has taken place. Some of the upcoming Late Night Shopping events will be held on June 6, August 1, and September 5.
Another popular event has been their Farmers Markets. These are held from March through November on the first, third, and fifth Saturdays of the month from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at the Main Street Commons. She said the number of days was increased because the vendors were asking for more opportunities to sell. She said there are a variety of things sold at these markets, and she is proud of the growth of the Farmers Markets. Vendor applications are available on the HRMA website. Upcoming Farmers Markets will be held on June 1, 15, and 29; July 6 and 20; August 3, 17, and 31; and September 7 and 21.
The Summer Concert Series started early this year in April. This past weekend, they held their Glow Concert. She is excited to provide these summer concert events to give families something to do in Marion. The next concert is on June 8 from 7:00-10:00 p.m. with Going Commando. There will be another concert on September 14 from 7:00-10:00 p.m. with the Blue Stone Ramblers.
In October, historic Marion will become very festive with the annual hanging of the pumpkins. It is certainly worth the visit to Marion to see the festive decor. She said they hope to get more businesses to participate in Hallowe’en this year by having people in the stores dress up, etc. The scarecrows will also be on display from the end of September through October 31.
In November, they will bring back their popular Retail Trail event. The hours will be extended from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. to give shoppers more time to visit the participating businesses.
In December, Marion will transform into a “Hallmark” movie as they bring back the free carriage rides, late night shopping, and Christmas festivities.
Historic Marion has experienced a growth in business this year. Lucky’s on Harllee is now open. They offer a variety of foods such as wings, cheeseburgers, hoagies, subs, Philly Cheesesteaks, and more. Balloons & Floral Tasty Sweets -n- Treats is now open and is a one-stop shop for party and tailgating supplies, balloons, treats, and more.
Another new business, The Movement Joint, located in the back of Marion Physical Therapy, offers women over the age of 50 a safe place to work out.
Foxy Steele, a clothing boutique, recently reopened. She said the new store has the old charm of Foxy Steele with a little bit of Swoon.
Wags and Wiggles, another new business, will offer pet grooming and pet accessories.
Copper Fox and Co.. which will occupy the old Swoon building, will have its ribbon cutting this Thursday at 10:30 a.m. It is the former Candlelight Gifts.
She said these businesses offer something unique to Marion. Community members can shop right in Marion and find unique gifts and services right in their own downtown.
Page said she loved businesses coming in that provide new ideas and new options to the public. Some of the new businesses coming soon are The Preacher’s Kitchen Heart and Soul Creative Arts, and the First Steps Early Learning Center.
Page said that there had been a great deal of new signage going up. HMRA pays a 75 percent reimbursement for member businesses approved for the signs. This is one of the ways they try to help local business in the historic district, Facade grants are also offered by the city of Marion. The next times to apply are on August 3rd and November 3nd. Page said it’s amazing how new signage and facades can transform an old building and bring it back to life.
The HRMA has applied for several grants. They were recently awarded a $2,000 grant from the Marion County Healthcare Foundation for the “Paint Your Part” art project and a $2,000 Spark for Good grant from Wal-Mart to add and replace some of the murals in downtown Marion. Page has applied for a T-Mobile grant and for $15,000 in accommodation tax funds. She said there grants are very important to keep the HMRA moving forward.
Page spoke briefly about the work underway at Byars Park at Main and Harllee. She said the Fox sculpture, which was funded by a grant from the S.C. Arts Commission, has been installed. A fountain feature is being worked on and will be completed soon. Page said it will be a wonderful addition.
The Main Street Commons area is getting some updates. The Daphne and Azalea Garden Clubs have been instrumental in helping to keep the downtown area beautiful.
They are in the process of replacing the event sign, which will advertise upcoming events, etc.
Benches are also being replaced. Three have already been replaced and have plaques in honor of people to which they are dedicated. Anyone interested in replacing and dedicating a bench in honor of someone should contact the HRMA for more details.
Page also introduced the four new board members–Anna Jackson, Daniel Belken, JoAnn Bult, and David Walters. They will take their place on the board officially at the June 20th HMRA meeting, Page said. She said all of them are great additions and are passionate about Marion. She said she thought it was important to bring in this new, young blood because they need fresh ideas while they keep old traditions and start new ones. Page said she is excited about the future of HMRA.
Page then presented this year’s Bobby Gerald Main Street Hero Award. This award was established in 2008 in honor of former Mayor Bobby Gerald. This year’s recipient is Liz Herlong, owner of The Groundout. Page said Herlong, who is a lifelong resident of Marion, works tirelessly to promote Marion and its historic district. She said she couldn’t imagine presenting this award to anyone else.
Herlong said this was a huge honor and that she loved Marion, she loved Main Street, and she loved watching it grow. She said there were people more deserving of the honor, but that she appreciated it. Members of Herlong’s family were on hand to see her receive this award.
Marion Mayor Ashley Brady noted that this was the 32nd annual meeting of the HMRA. He was a charter member in 1992. He said he appreciates the collaboration and said the city is proud to sponsor the facade grant program. He said there has been a great deal accomplished, especially in the last few years, because of people working together.
Page agreed and said it takes “all of us” working together to make this all happen. She said they were positive people wanting positive change for Marion. She loves her job because she gets to partner with really great people who want others to succeed.
If you would like more information about the HMRA and how you can be a part, visit their website, www.theswampfox.org or visit their office, located at 103 E. Dozier St., Marion. Their hours are Tuesday through Thursday, from 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. or by appointment on Monday and Friday.
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Johnnie Daniels/The Dillon County News, LLC
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