MARION– The Marion Music Hall was aglow with smiles and music on March 23 to benefit the Marion fireworks. Children and adults were getting their faces painted, everyone lined up for ice cream, and people were bidding in a silent auction which featured various prizes.

Cakes were sitting on the stage, while two DJs, both from elementary school, were playing music. Other children played musical chairs, competing for a free cake. The activites were part of the Beach Gala, an effort to raise money for the Marion fireworks show on July 5th. The gala also had an evening event for the adults with cocktails and food.

Every year, Marion raises $50,000 for the fireworks show. Some of these fundraising efforts include but are not limited to the Gala.

Member of the Fireworks Committee Jill Pitman said this is the first year it is doing the gala, but she hopes to do it every year

“The fireworks bring everybody together,” said Pitman, “I believe the town of Marion shouldn’t pay for it alone anymore so therefore I do believe it needs to be a community effort.”

Chairman of the Fireworks Committee Casey Cole-Viera said the ice cream was donated by Kool Kone, the DJ service was made possible by the Ensemble Events.

Auction items were donated by community businesses and organizations, the food was made by the students at Old Colony in the culinary department, while seniors from the Senior Center donated cakes to the Cake Walk. 

For some of the auction items, Sippican School held a drive and divided each of the auction prize baskets with different themes separated by grade. First grade put together a pet-themed basket, third grade a game night basket, fourth grade put together a sports themed basket, fifth grade a kitchen-themed basket and sixth grade an outdoor fun basket.

Cole-Viera said originally the gala was only going to be at night but later the Committee decided to have it in the afternoon as well. “It’s just great to see all the support in the community. It’s important to get all the families involved together.” Cole-Viera said.

14-year-old Catie Parks was there with her aunt, Pitman. Parks’ role was to do the facepainting. Parks said this will be her second time facepainting. “It’s just really fun because they always want something different so it’s kind of a creative aspect to it.” said Parks.

At the evening portion of the gala adults enjoyed music, a bar, appetizers and conversation while bidding on items that ranged from a flagpole to jewelry. 

The Fireworks Committee has raised $32,500 of its total, and Pitman hopes that the proceeds from the gala will be enough to push it over its goal. 

“We had a better turnout than I expected for the afternoon portion and this is a better turnout than I expected for this,” said Chuck Viera, also on the Fireworks Committee.