Saturday in the Park, the family festival that annually drew thousands to Marion’s Lincoln Park announced it would end two years ago. But after a year off, the festival has re-organized and will return to the park on Saturday, August 24, 2013.
Festival organizers say that this year, the event, which will run from 11 am until 6pm, will feature over a dozen inflatable bounce rides, dozens of free game and activity booths, costumed characters, a car show, food vendors, and live entertainment on two stages.
Inflatable bounce rides have always been the mainstay of the event and this year is no different. Over a dozen of the inflatable bounce houses, slides and other rides have been contracted through two different companies. Organizers say that the rides will be organized in age-specific zones so that children of all ages — from toddlers to teens, can participate.
Almost a dozen costumed characters are scheduled to make appearances at the event, including two popular ones from television: Dora the Explorer and Spongebob. Other characters will be representing area businesses and organizations, including Marion County Children Services, Tri-Rivers Career Center, Marion Community Credit Union and Safety City.
Also making a its debut at the festival is NWA/SEW Wrestling. Promoter, James Martin of NWA Sports Entertainment, says the organization will set up a ring adjacent to the main stage, and several of his professional wrestlers will actually hold matches that, “will be very real, intense, and entertaining for everyone”. The matches begin at 5:00PM.
Streetwise Motors is sponsoring the Main Stage entertainment, which will include a number of live singing performances from area singers, as well as dance performances by Martha Douce Dance Studio, Diverse Moves, Bethlehem Dance and Edye Cooke Dance studio. Also appearing in front of the main stage will be cheerleaders from Marion’s Midget Football.
Marion’s Hometown Talent, a local promoter of area singers and other performers have joined Musicians One Stop and Jester’s Recording Studio in presenting the stage entertainment. A second stage will feature an even more diverse group of performers, which includes singers, fire twirlers, and a hula hoop demonstration that can only be described as amazing.
There are several food vendors which organizers say will offer diverse festival treats. Vendors include: A&A Concessions, D&R Concessions, Tummy Treats Ice Cream, East of Chicago Pizza and Ruggies.
Details are still be worked out with representatives of the Lincoln Park Family Aquatic Center, Classic Rock 95.1 FM and the Door Guys to end the festival with a “Dive In” Movie. An announcement is expected shortly.
If anyone is interested in being a part of the festival, may contact Gary Rivers at [email protected] or call him at 614-425-9633
Saturday in the Park is presented by the following organizations:
Streetwise Motors, Marion County Job and Family Services, the Marion Star, Classic Rock 95.1, Tri-Rivers Career Center, United Way, 97.5 WDIF, ADAMH, Marion County Children Services, Josh Daniels Construction, and Modern Woodmen.
Additional sponsors and participants including: Boys and Girls Club, Goodwill Industries, Marion Noon Kiwanis, the Moose Family Center #889, and Sims Brothers Recycling.
The stage entertainment schedule and further information on all of the scheduled activities and events will be announced and available online at the festival website, www.saturdayfest.com.
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