By Faith Vander Laan
Cozy up at Ashley’s Ice Cream Cafe every Saturday for the Downtown Marion Winter Market.
Held from noon to 4 p.m., local vendors and community members can set up booths and sell their crafts, baked goods, and other merchandise to the public.
“It’s something for people in Marion to participate in, have something to do, and look forward to some shopping,” Brian Conwell, co-owner of Ashley’s, said. “It’s a neat little thing for other people’s projects… and they come and sell it in Ashley’s.”
Not only will community members be able to shop around at various booths, but they can also indulge themselves in a fresh donut, scoop of ice cream, or cup of coffee.
The market provides a warm environment for locals and visitors to gather, shop, and enjoy a variety of sweet treats.
In addition, the cafe carries a wide assortment of puzzles and board games from Jigsaw Junction.
“I like looking at the board games and doing puzzles while we get ice cream or coffee for the kids,” Derek Fields, an attendee visiting Ashley’s with his family, said.
The last day of the event is scheduled for March 30, but Ashley’s will continue to operate on their usual hours.
“People should come because it’s very fun and it can bring people together,” Danny Cowgill, a barista at Ashley’s, said. The Downtown Marion Winter Market gives citizens the ability to support local businesses and community members alike all in one place.
Due to the inclement weather on Jan. 20, the event did not receive a large turnout.
“Some people probably did not want to venture out into the weather,” Conwell said.
Many opportunities to attend the Downtown Marion Winter Market remain, and the previous weekends were a success.
“There are other times I’ve had a whole bunch of people come in; they’re happy that they’re here,” Conwell said.
Mya McNew 
Emily Lamb