Marion County Day is returning this weekend after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The community festival is being held on Saturday, March 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the McPherson Governmental Campus located at 601 SE 25th Avenue in Ocala. The event will celebrate the 178-year history of Marion County with activities that include:
- Government service displays from county and other governmental agencies.
- Equipment displays from local law enforcement.
- Multiple performers and entertainers throughout the event.
- A kids’ zone with games, bounce houses, and other family-friendly activities.
- Storytellers.
- Prize giveaways.
- Many food vendors.
The event is free to attend and is open to the public.
The first Government Day was hosted by Marion County commissioners in 2018 and included various services as well as activities. During the inaugural event, over 1,000 people were in attendance.
In 2019, the event was changed to celebrate the 175th Anniversary of the founding of Marion County. On November 19, 2019, the commissioners approved the renaming of the event to Marion County Day.
The 2020 Marion County Day was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and plans for a 2021 event were also halted.
Preparations are underway for this weekend’s celebration and vendor spaces are still available. In order to reserve a booth, a vendor participation form must be submitted by no later than Wednesday, March 23.
For more information, visit the 2022 Marion County Day webpage.