LOCAL

MarionMade: Fall in love with fall photo contest

Marion Community Foundation
The Harding Memorial is one of the most photographed places in Marion County.

Each week, this series will share stories of our many wonderful people, places, products and programs in the greater Marion community. To read more stories of Marion’s great people, places, products, and programs, or to share some of your own stories, visit us at marionmade.org or on social media. 

Kings Mill Bridge, the Harding Memorial, Marion Tallgrass Trail. What do these Marion area locations have in common? They are some of the most photographed places in the County. They, and dozens of other locales, are the subjects of entries in MarionMade’s photo contest, “Fall in Love with Marion,” which takes place all this month.

“The contest was started to encourage people to share their images of some of Marion’s most scenic places,” said Tera Holderman, MarionMade! intern and creator of the contest. “People love to share their photos and this is a good opportunity for them to be appreciated.”

Area residents are welcome to submit their favorite fall photo --one entry per person--taken anywhere in Marion County. The link to the contest is located on the homepage of marionmade.org as well as MarionMade's Facebook and Instagram pages. Anyone interested can visit the contest site to see the pictures and vote on his or her favorite. The winner will be selected in early November by popular vote.

The Harding Memorial is probably the most photographed structure in Marion. It has stood at the intersection of Vernon Heights Boulevard and Delaware Avenue since 1927, as the final resting place of the United States’ 29th president and Marion native, Warren G. Harding, and his wife, Florence. Its image is depicted on the City’s flag and in numerous logos and pictures by Marion organizations.

The 2016 Kings Mill Bridge provides the essence of historic covered bridges that have attracted millions nationwide

Another increasingly popular photo site in Marion County is the Kings Mill Bridge, adjacent to the Kings Mill Golf Course on St. James Road. Built in 2016, it captures the essence of the historic covered bridges that have attracted millions nationwide. The structure, designed by Smolen Engineering Ltd. and built by RG Zachrich Construction, is composed of massive wooden beams, steel bolts, and many hand-crafted pieces. The picturesque setting of the massive wooden structure just above the flowing Olentangy River is postcard-worthy.

The Marion Park District’s Tallgrass Trail off Holland Road, provides a 12.4 mile glimpse of western Marion County’s natural beauty. Twenty years in the making, this recreational trail draws hundreds of walkers, joggers, cyclists, and other outdoor enthusiasts. With the recent dip in temperatures, the tree-lined trail will soon be ablaze in autumn color.

According to program manager Vicky Branson, MarionMade! is an effort to encourage local residents to appreciate the people, places, products, and programs of their community.

“The photo contest is a way to emphasize community pride,” she said. “We have so many great places in Marion.”

The 12-mile Tallgrass Trail was 20 years in the making and offers plenty of beauty for fall pictures.

On marionmade.org, there are nearly 30 stories about places in Marion, ranging from the Marion Palace Theatre to Waldo’s G&R Tavern, that are iconic to the community.

“We have stories about notable places like the Memorial and hidden gems like Owens Opera House,” said Branson. “The Marion community has so much to offer. And, we welcome more stories for MarionMade! as well.”

Stories or topic suggestions may be submitted online to WeAre@MarionMade.org. The guidelines request stories up to 300 words which tell about people, places, and organizations in Marion and their impact on the community.

The “Fall in Love with Marion” photo contest runs through November 1. The subjects are to be beautiful fall pictures from the Marion area. The contest winner will receive a MarionMade! hat and the opportunity to have an entire day to share why they love Marion on MarionMade’s social media channels.

Additional information on the MarionMade! initiative is available by calling 740-387-9704 or visiting the website at marionmade.org.