By Demelza Ramirez | Echo
While traveling and entertainment are fixtures of summer, there are those who prefer to stay close to home. For those of you staying in the Upland area for the summer, certain attractions and festivals may not be on your radar. You might not realize, but Upland and its neighbors and preparing to host a large assortment of summer fun.
Thursdays in the Courtyard is put on by Main Street Marion and runs on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event takes place at the Third Street Courtyard at 119 East Third Street in Marion. Each week there will be music, vendors and delicious food.
Every Saturday in May, rain or shine, the Marion Open Air Market is set up on South Western Avenue in Marion. From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. local vendors sell a variety of homemade and homegrown produce and other items. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are readily available, along with a collection of garden plants and other potted flowers to spruce up a home. Homemade breads and other baked goods are on sale for the hungry crowd, and artisan vendors provide handmade crafts, teas, soaps and coffee.
On June 14, Upland will host a Blooms and Berries Festival organized by the Upland Lions Club. Whether you enjoy eating berries by the flat, or prefer an ice cream sundae or strawberry shortcake, there will be a tasty treat for everyone. The festival will also include live entertainment, various food and craft vendors, carnival games, kids' train rides, pottery-making demonstrations and even Smile Seekers clowns. All right in the middle of Upland.
For those who are staying in, or returning to, the Upland area early next semester, Van Buren will be popping with excitement and activity during its Popcorn Festival from Aug. 14-16. During these three days there will be fun, food and free entertainment for the whole family. Several parades will take place during the festival: a bike parade, a pet parade and a local parade. The Kernel Klassic 5K Run/Walk, magic and car shows, carnival rides and all the popcorn you can eat are just a few of the other activities the Popcorn Festival will be hosting.
If you're more interested in history and motorcycles, the Hog Daze Motorcycle Rally from Aug. 15-17 in Marion is for you. The rally will celebrate the history of motorcycling in Grant/Marion County. There will be live music, a hog roast, various field events and many more activities. On Aug. 16, the Saturday of the rally, the Anniversary Chasing Tail Memorial Motorcycle Ride will take place. If you're coming from away, bring your RV or camping gear to take advantage of available camping space. The rally takes place at Ballard Field just west of I-69 along the Mississinewa River and State Road 18.
(Thumbnail image courtesy of Marion Open Market Facebook page)
