Nicole
I give Downtown Getdown props for creativity when it comes to marketing. The Getdown, which involves food and free music at Marion's City Park on Thursdays in August, has a mascot. Her name is Marianne, and she's a pink flamingo. Each year, Randy Behr of Big Behr Design Co. in Marion gives Marianne a new look. Last year, she sported a bikini. This year, she wore a "skort" and jammed on a guitar. Marianne appears on T-shirts and other marketing materials. An inflatable version of Marianne hangs out on the edge of the park to let attendees know they're in the right place. She's popular with the kids, too.
Marianne fit in especially well at this week's Getdown because the Cedar Island Band treated the crowd to tropical tunes from Jimmy Buffett and other artists. It was the last Getdown this year, and fortunately the weather cooperated. Last Thursday's gig was rained out, and the week before that, a downpour paused the show for 20 minutes. This time, it was warm and sunny. People brought lawn chairs and picnic baskets, or bought summertime food like ice cream and hot dogs from the vendors. The park was packed. On average, 1,300 to 1,500 show up, said Sharlynn Page, director of member services for the Marion Chamber of Commerce. The 4-year-old music series is organized by Page, along with the Marion Business Committee, a part of the Chamber. It's sponsored by Foster's Heating and Air Conditioning, along with Mix 96.5 and WMT 600.
The crowd clearly enjoyed the nice summer night, but they were also ready for fall. The On the Street question of the week was "What are you looking forward to about fall?" Read their answers in Monday's Gazette.
I'm ready for fall, too, but I'll have to put Downtown Getdown on my calendar for next August. I can't wait to see what Marianne's wearing.
Stay tuned next week, when co-host Carly Weber checks in with racing fans at Hawkeye Downs.