Marion set for Independence Day festivities

The annual Downtown Marion Independence Day Celebration is shaping up to be a major occurrence, as the 2026 iteration will coincide with the nation’s 250th anniversary on Saturday, July 4.

Organized by the City of Marion and the Marion Business Association, the event will begin with a parade at 6 p.m. that evening on Main Street in Marion.

McDowell County’s veterans, all of whom are encouraged to participate, will serve as the parade marshals, while retiring McDowell County Sheriff Ricky Buchanan will be the honorary grand marshal.

Buchanan is set to retire on Aug. 1 after 30 years with the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office, including the past eight as sheriff. He grew up in McDowell County, graduating from McDowell High School in 1992.

Parade participants will start lining up in the parking lots of First Bank and Wells Fargo at 5:30 p.m., while “Anything That Rolls” will gather on West Fort Street. Helmets are required for those who decide to ride with the latter group.

Tanya and The Roadrunnerz Band takes the stage at 6:30 p.m. Known for blending country with southern rock, the band is made up of Tanya Williams, Chris Williams, Dusty Simmons, Jeff Queen, and Austin Brooks, who have shared the stage with such national acts as Tracy Lawrence, Craig Morgan, David Allan Coe, Colt Ford, The Lacs, and Confederate Railroad.

Food trucks will be on site, as will free inflatables for kids. Several downtown eateries will also be open, including Refinery 13 Taproom, Mica Town Brewing, Artesana Ice Cream, Crabby Abby’s, After 5 Pub & Grill, The Spillway, Taylors Brewing Company, Keeper's Cut Meadery, The Madness, and Factory 29.

The event will conclude with a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. They will be shot from the recreation field on West Court Street, and due to fallout from the fireworks, no one will be allowed in the area around the ballfield. 

Seating for the fireworks show will be available on West Court Street.

For more information, contact the Marion Business Association at 828-652-2215 or visit the organization’s Facebook page.

— JM