• 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 Generous!We Are Having Fun!We Are Presidential!
  • 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

  • Doris Dunn Passionate About Marion

    Doris Dunn’s passion for the community is evident. “I’m one of those MarionMade! folks by the way of my parents,” said Dunn. “My dad, James (Rocky) Winders, was employed with Atlantic Coast Line Railroad in North Carolina. He accepted a position in Marion working as a car inspector before becoming an assistant foreman. Dad left […]Read More »
  • CRT believes in Marion

    Jason Kirkman and Adam Wolfe graduated from Elgin in 2001. Both were part of the construction trades program at Tri-Rivers with Mike Hock and Dan Tripp. Right out of high school, Kirkman and Wolfe began conversations about starting their own company. “In 2003, we started the business, and my contribution was the name,” said Kirkman. […]Read More »
  • Read Across America

    MARION TO TAKE PART IN ANNUAL READ ACROSS AMERICA CELEBRATION Let’s Read 20, the Marion Public Library, our local schools, and other community partners will come together on Thursday, March 2, with thousands of others across the country to shine a light on literacy and reading across America. Open a Book. Spread the Word. Make […]Read More »
  • John Butterworth’s Legacy Continues On

    Sheriff John Butterworth served the Marion community for decades. He was elected to an unmatched six terms in office. Butterworth answered thousands of calls from residents and influenced a generation of local officers. Though John died of esophageal cancer in 2014, his wife, sons, friends, and colleagues ensure his impact is still being felt. While […]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