Marion’s 2025 Town Party was held at Silvershell Beach on Saturday, July 24. In the midst of days with soaring temperatures, heat advisories and sporadic rainfall, the weekend was comparably “mild,” though still sunny and warm.
Donna Hemphill, executive assistant to the town administrator and Town Party organizer, stated at earlier town and Select Board meetings her intention to move the Town Party earlier in the summer as to avoid mosquito-borne disease season. Last year, the 2024 Town Party was cancelled for this reason.
There were dozens of tents set up from local vendors, sponsors, and volunteers. Toe Jam Puppet Band’s Vinny Lovegrove was present, with his famous bubbles soaring through the air for kids to hunt down and eliminate. Various inflatable attractions were set up, like a ball-throwing game and axe-throwing (minus real axes). The painting tent was a hit, with kids getting face paint or decals on their hands.
For food, there was plenty. Popcorn, pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs, chowder, and other seafood delicacies. All food was given out by volunteers, town locals, and Marion Fire/EMS members. Speaking of the Marion Fire Department, Engine 266 made an appearance alongside some of the department’s other vehicles.
Marion 2025 Town Party
By Sam Bishop