The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Benjamin D. Cushing Post No. 2425 hosted one of Marion’s favorite events for decades – the Annual Block Party. This event drew residents to the streets for some evening fun, food and camaraderie, and as an August happening it always closed out the summer with some flair.
The Block Party was canceled last year, however, as VFW simply decided it could not harness the manpower to keep it going. The previous year the event was relegated to earlier daytime hours due to the threat of the eastern equine encephalitis virus.
Despite these setbacks, a trio of Marion residents is determined to resurrect the town’s beloved annual tradition.
On April 2, Steve Gonsalves, Marion Recreation Director (and Selectman candidate) Jodi Dickerson, and Building Commissioner Scott Shippey voted to launch a committee to revive the Party. With Gonsalves as Chair, and Dickerson and Shippey as Co-Chairs – the Block Party now will take place thanks to the Marion Fire Fighters Association and the Marion Recreation Department.
“Sometimes a little missing makes you realize what you’ve lost,” Gonsalves reflected.
He stressed that although the torch will pass to new organizers, the revived Marion Party honors the VFW, Benjamin Cushing Post, “who has given so much to the town and country.”
Recognizing the hard work the VWF had put into hosting the event year after year, Dickerson acknowledged, “It’s tough. Those guys always do so much for the town of Marion – they’ve always been there.”
He decided not to let the Marion Block Party fade away.
“I’d hate to see this tradition die down by the wayside,” Dickerson said of his motivation to get involved.
Although no date has yet been set – the group plans to bring back the event sometime in August. The date of August 18 originally was considered, but a conflict with the Rochester Country Fair prompted the group to reschedule.
According to Gonsalves, proceeds raised at the event will benefit town programs and scholarships.
“It will stay in town,” he said.
Gonsalves, who chaired the Marion Block Party committee in previous years for the VFW, said he is thrilled to get involved again. At the present time, he is seeking out more volunteers to serve on the committee.
In the meantime, the three organizers are looking to bring local bands, typical festival fare, and possibly the Antique Car Show to the event.
“We really want to see a lot of excitement about it,” he said.
By Laura Fedak Pedulli
