Swamp Fox 2013 Festival Details and Schedule

A number of family-friendly events are scheduled as part of the 24th annual celebration of Marion's heritage. The festivities get underway this Friday, Sept. 6 and run through Saturday, Sept. 7. Visit www.cityofmarion.org for the complete listing of events and a printable flyer.

FRIDAY

The Old Settlers Celebration will take place at Lowe Park beginning at 10:30 a.m. It is the traditional opening event of the festival for longtime Marion residents. The program includes a presentation entitled “Your Grampa and Gramma’s Farm” given by Dr. Richard Tyler. Senior citizen of the year will also be recognized.

Friday afternoon the Swamp Fox Festival Golf Tournament, sponsored by University of Iowa Community Credit Union and Michelle Havener – State Farm Insurance,  returns to Hunters Ridge Golf Course at 2:00 p.m. Team up with your family, friends or co-workers for a fun afternoon of golf. Friday evening enjoy a picnic in City Square Park. Local musicians Craig Erickson and Natalie Brown will take the stage at 5:00 p.m. and Carol Montag and Carlis Faurot will perform at 7:00 p.m.  

SATURDAY

Saturday starts with the Family Breakfast at 7:00 a.m. The Swamp Fox Festival 5K Run/Walk, sponsored by Farmers State Bank, will get underway at 8:00 a.m. Registration forms, a course map and full details are available at the Cedar Valley Running Association website, http://www.cvra.net/races/swamp-fox.

Linn Cooperative Oil Company and Linn County REC are again sponsoring this year’s Swamp Fox Festival Parade which will start at 10:15 a.m. Ray Brown, CFO of the ESCO Group, has been named grand marshal. The parade begins at Marion High School, travels north on 15th Street, turns west on 7th Avenue, and continues to City Square Park.

A number of activities are planned in and around City Square Park on Saturday. Check out the craft fair and farmers’ market, visit with or enjoy food from a variety of vendors, or set off on a guided tour of Uptown Marion at 1:00 p.m. Live music, various demonstrations, and a Children’s Fun Zone, sponsored by Heritage Bank, will provide hours of entertainment. The Fun Zone will be open from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

Farm Progress, a new exhibit at the Marion Heritage Center, will open in conjunction with the Swamp Fox Festival. Free admission will be provided on Saturday, thanks to sponsorship support from Chuck Kent – State Farm Insurance.

The fun moves to Lowe Park at 4:00 p.m. for the evening festivities which are sponsored by Veridian Credit Union. Bring lawn chairs and blankets and come enjoy dinner and an evening of musical entertainment. The Linn County Master Gardeners will be offering workshops and the Parks & Recreation Department will be providing various games. BF Burt and the Instigators will start playing at 4:30 p.m., the Linn County Cattlemen will fire up the grills at 5:00 p.m., and KantiRocks will take the stage at 7:00 p.m.

The fireworks finale, thanks to the sponsorship support of Collins Community Credit Union, will light up the sky at dusk. Prime viewing locations include Lowe Park or Oak Ridge School. Keep in mind, no alcohol or tobacco products are permitted on school property.

Don’t miss the 2013 celebration of Marion’s heritage at the Swamp Fox Festival. Visit www.cityofmarion.org for complete event information.