MARION -- When it looked like parking might be a problem for Marion's inaugural "Downtown Christmas" celebration this weekend, city officials quickly jumped in with a fix.
According to Cody Moake, the Mayor's Chief of Staff, the city has formed a partnership with the Rides Mass Transit District for the event scheduled to run from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. Dec. 14-15.
In a news release over the weekend, Moake said that parking for the Christmas event will be available at the Williamson County Fairgrounds. Bus transportation to and from the fairground parking area to the event will be provided for the duration of the event each evening.
All RMTD buses are ADA accessible.
Moake said that downtown parking will be reserved for patrons of the downtown businesses, vendors, and Civic Center event attendees.
"The City of Marion thanks you in advance for your cooperation and understanding as we look to begin a memorable tradition that highlights our historic downtown," he said.
The Downtown Christmas will include ice skating, carriage rides, food vendors, classic Christmas music, and, of course, Santa Claus. In addition, the various shops and restaurants around the Square will also be open.
The event is weather-permitting and there will be fees of $10 for adults and $5 for children for ice skating which includes the skate rental, and $10 per family for carriage rides.
The food vendors will also charge a fee.
