• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

MarionMade

People, Places, Products, Programs

Visit Us On FacebookVisit Us On TwitterVisit Us On YoutubeCheck Our FeedVisit Us On Instagram
We Are Having Fun!We Are Presidential!We Are Generous!
  • Get Involved
  • About
  • Events
    • MarionMade! 5k Sign Up
  • People
  • Places
  • Products
  • Programs
  • Links
  • Contact

Third Thursdays

By MarionMade! on August 4, 2017

3RD THURSDAYS.
.
Summer time is always a great season for evenings spent soaking up the sun with friends. Brian Jester, owner of JCR Studio, had an idea to do just that in the heart of the city, in downtown Marion.  Jester shared his idea of a night filled with music and community with Robert Bear, a board member of Downtown Marion, Inc. Together Jester and Bear developed a plan and, with the help of the Popcorn Festival committee and Downtown Marion, Inc., we now have 3rd Thursday.
.
After a successful season, averaging over 200 guests each month in 2016, 3rd Thursday made its way back onto the Downtown Marion, Inc. calendar for 2017. This year the musical line up has included Bad Influence, New Park Drive, and Cherry Blonde.
.
Clarissa Myers, Downtown Marion Manager, states, “This event is growing each month and we are looking forward to our final band of the season, Sneaky Pete and the Players. Each month, 3rd Thursday is filled with local vendors such as State of the Sandwich, Tackett’s BBQ, and Riverside Ice Cream. IHeart Radio and Blue Fusion also attend and give away free prizes.”
.
Saturday In the Park has been another great addition to the event, providing crafts and face painting to keep the kids busy and having a fun time.
.
When Jester was asked why he felt a desire to bring this event to downtown Marion, he said, “I’m involved in this project because I want to give back to Marion.”  He went on to reference the challenges Marion and so many other communities have faced in recent years with the opiate epidemic and said, “I wanted people to see that Marion can and will be a place of fun and enjoyment.”
.
#MarionMade #WeAreEntertainment #WeAre3rdThursdays

Recent MarionMade! Stories

  • Marion Mourns the Passing of Beloved Restaurateur, Veteran and Icon George Kasotis

    Legend. Veteran. Entertainer. Entrepreneur. After 91 years serving our community and our country, George James Kasotis died on May 29, 2025. “George will forever be remembered as a pillar of our community. He will be greatly missed,” Julie Blashinsky Blackledge said. “George always championed Marion and was such a gracious host. He will be dearly […]Read More »
  • Marion Mentors make a difference in Marion’s kids

    One adult volunteer can make a huge impact on a student’s life. According to Mentor National, students linked with a mentor are more likely to attend school regularly, more likely to volunteer regularly, and are more likely to hold leadership positions. Marion Mentors works with many community groups to connect Marion County kids to adult […]Read More »
  • MarionMade! Celebrates 6th Birthday of Showcasing Community Pride

    MarionMade! has spent six years highlighting Marion’s rich history and bright future. From signs in business windows to T-shirts and banners in annual Popcorn Parade, support for this effort is visible in the community. More than 450 articles have featured local families, agencies, landmarks and locales. Thousands of people have visited marionmade.org and shared info […]Read More »
  • Bowstring: A Hidden Caledonia Gem Celebrates 7 Years

    On Valentine’s Day, the Douds family celebrated their labor of love. It marked the seventh year of Bowstring Bar and Grill serving the Caledonia community. Located at 109 North Water Street, Chef and General Manager Matt Douds grills steaks, tosses pizza dough and creates specials, such as a pickle bacon pizza and a bison sweet […]Read More »

Share Your MarionMade! Story

Click Here to share your story about MarionMade! people, places, products, and programs!
  • Get Involved
  • About
  • Events
  • People
  • Places
  • Products
  • Programs
  • Links
  • Contact

Marion Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Downtown Marion Love INC Marion Public Library Marion Area Chamber of Commerce Marion CANDO! Marion Community Foundation United Way of Marion County Marion Technical College

© 2026 · MarionMade! is a community initiative led by Marion Technical College · Website is powered by Neighborhood Image