June has arrived — and it’s a good month to be in Marion.

Everything gets started this weekend with Chingawassa Days in Central Park, Marion. Where else can you get a concert with country legend Diamond Rio, a barbecue meal, ice cream, watermelon, children’s games, all kinds of opportunities to participate contests, and a plethora of entertainment for a $35 button ($25 if you purchased a button before Tuesday)?

An Art & Music Stroll will be 1 to 5 p.m. June 12, downtown Marion. Local and area artists will be showcased.

And what about the bluegrass festival June 18 at Marion County Lake? Amateur musicians have an opportunity to perform during an open mic time followed by family entertainment.

A garden tour will be June 25 with Marion gardeners opening their yards to visitors.

Yes, there are many events from which to choose, whether you want to volunteer, participate, or attend — and that’s just in June.

A car show, ice cream social, cake walk, and movie night are planned July 2 in Marion as part of the city’s sesquicentennial celebration.

Whoever said there’s nothing to do in a small town hasn’t heard about Marion. Tourism, which is a form of economic development, is an important part of our economy in Marion, particularly in the summer months when visitors from Marion County Lake and Marion Reservoir come to our community for supplies, entertainment, and to relax.

This is the time of year that our yards should be mowed and the community is as welcoming as possible.

We have only one opportunity to make a good first impression. There are numerous people who have moved to Marion because they attended Chingawassa Days, had a weekend home at the lake, or visited someone who lived here and fell in love with community.

Let’s welcome our visitors with open arms and appreciate their support of our community.

— susan berg