When Marion was visited by the state’s Main Street Marion group a year ago, that group reported to the Historic Marion Revitalization Association that HMRA had an image problem. Most of those interviewed, who worked in businesses along Main Street in Marion and who are members of the HMRA, the visiting group said, were unclear of the mission of HMRA. As a member of the national and state Main Street programs, the recommendation was made to change the local group’s name, Chuck Wiegert explained recently.
So, he said, HMRA is still HMRA, with the same goal of helping to keep the Historic Marion area economically viable, but it goes by the name Main Street Marion. The name, he said, better defines the group’s mission, helps others to remember the group’s main goal and more easily identifies it with the state and national group that goes by the same name. Because Marion’s Main Street business area is in the town’s historic district, the vision and mission of Main Street Marion is the same as HMRA’s, Wiegert said.
HMRA has its monthly Coffee Chats to keep businesses abreast of the group’s activities and of what others are doing. Additionally, Wiegert said, the board recently agreed to be the oversight group for a locally based group of living history reenactors, the Col. Hugh Giles Regiment, Britton’s Neck Militia.
The group has participated in Marion’s FoxTrot festival and in Main Street Marion’s Christmas parades. The group seeks to keep the spirit of Gen. Francis Marion’s militia alive by portraying soldiers who served with the “Swamp Fox” during the Revolutionary War, many of whom have descendents living in the area today.
Marion, the county and the city, are named for the war hero, Wiegert said, and it is fitting that we (Main Street Marion) support the efforts to recognize that man and his place in history.
The group, Wiegert said, will help in the upcoming celebration of Gen. Francis Marion Memorial Day, on the square in Marion at 9 a.m. on Feb. 27.
Wiegert said, also, that façade grant money is still available. The money can be used to do work on the fronts of Main Street businesses. The deadline to apply is in April, he said, with awards to be made in May. Of course Main Street Marion is working with the FoxTrot Committee, as well, Wiegert said, in planning the group’s upcoming festival that showcases Marion.
Wiegert is co-chairing with Sharon Grice the committee that plans the annual event.
Vendor interest is good, he said, adding that he believes this year’s festival will be a strong one. Anyone interested in Main Street Marion, FoxTrot or the Giles Regiment, can call Wiegert at (843) 423-9918 or visit Main Street Marion at www.theswampfox.com.
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