12/26/2025
❕🎄This year's Very Merry Market was absolutely amazing! 🎄❕The City of Marion’s community showed up in abundance, shopped local, made magical memories and made this event one to remember! So many handmade gifts were bought - so many thanks to give!
First, a huge THANK YOU to my two main people, Cody Moake and Rachel Stroud with The City of Marion Illinois. Without these two, it would be impossible to pull everything off. They were there through the entire event and months leading up to it—above and beyond every step of the way, truly there are no words to express my gratitude!
The City of Marion’s deserves a massive shoutout for all the behind the scenes work—placing huts, running electricity, bringing out all the décor requested, heavy lifting, and so much more. Doug and his crew rock and were truly the muscles behind this market!💪
To all of our AMAZING ✨ local handmade vendors✨, THANK YOU for showing up with your incredible booth displays, wonderful inventory selections, and joyful attitudes. Without you, the market would not be what it is!! 🎁
THANK YOU to our wonderful sponsors!! Your contributions made it possible to bring so many free activities to the community and wonderful additions all over the market!
Fowler Heating & Cooling
Baker & Sons Plumbing
Vinyl & Threads
Commercial Janitorial Services
John Bradley Law Firm
Each of you made Marion extra merry this year and we truly appreciate your community support!! 🤩
A special THANK YOU to Ozark Portable Buildings LLC / PLD Building CO, LLC — the best people to work with! Not only did they build brand new fabulous huts for the market, exactly as envisioned (and in record time), but they also supplied the flatbed for the market’s very own float in this year’s Very Merry Light Parade. 🛖
Jack & Josie’s and AISIN Illinois for showing up each day of the market with free kids’ activities—a huge highlight of the event! Thank you for always being involved in our community and providing so many memories and souvenirs.
Thank you to the Marion Cultural and Civic Center! Josh Benson and his crew, were fabulous as always—ready to jump in and help with whatever was needed. From providing outdoor heaters and tents to offering a selection of free movies and a warm place for visitors t@o escape the cold, they went above and beyond.
Thank you to Midwest Music Supply / Chris Parton for providing the stage AND a fantastic performance by their very own band, The Vibe ! 🎶 Other wonderful performances : Cody Galloway, The Potter’s House, and Herrin High School Choir. Everyone sounded incredible and added that special touch we always strive for!🎄
To our amazing volunteers from Marion High School Student Council, thank you for showing up despite the cold and helping with every task asked, adding beautiful touches all over the market. ✨
One of the wonderful additions this year (completely FREE - thanks to our wonderful sponsors) Hearts with Hooves inc nonprofit -Bringing pony and horse rides for all ages, a 360° Photo Booth, and even adding the extra special touch by bringing the Grinch - creating fun moments all around the market, even ice skating with the kids!! They were absolutely amazing! 🤩
So many others to thank:
🎄Jill Graskewicz for always being apart of the planning and willing to help with whatever! 🤩
🎄Courtney Page with Boulder Creek Photography for always capturing the magic of our adorable Hometown Christmas!
🎄Jared Long with SO ill CINEMA for the most amazing drone shots - capturing the whole view of our amazing downtown Marion!
🎄Holly Powell for creating beautifully hand-painted photo ops! You took full reign on the design and made something more magical than I could have pictured!
🎄Lindsey Perry, the market's graphic designer and of course a lifetime friend- for always bringing ideas to life through stunning artwork, helping create our market float and helping me run the information booth all weekend.
🎄My brother, Joshua Jessie, for building new photo props for the community to enjoy for years to come!
🎄Olivia - for always getting involved and even showing up on your break to help with the gorgeous Wreath Photo Op! It turned out fabulous! 🤩
I know that there were more involved and I truly appreciate every single person's part in making Marion - VERY MERRY! It truly was a community effort, and it showed in every smile, each display, and every moment of joy shared. Feeling beyond grateful for everyone who made it possible. Until next year—Marion, you made it magical!! ✨
Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year!
