The town is getting ready for its annual celebration of itself on Saturday, Aug. 25, with a family-oriented street festival of fun, music, dancing and food.

The annual Marion Town Party will be held on the grounds of the Marion Town House, 2 Spring St. Festivities begin at 4 p.m. Events and entertainment are free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Rain date is Sunday, Aug. 26.

The event is being hosted by Marion Firefighters Association and the Marion Harbormaster Department.

In addition to music entertainment and food and beverages, there will be free inflatable fun for the kids, a rock climbing wall, and more, say organizers.

This year, there will be  a "Touch a Truck" event, from 3 to 5 p.m. when the Marion Police, Fire, Harbormaster and more will have vehicles on hand for the kids and adults to climb on and take pictures.. The vehicles will be lined up on the ballfield behind MarionTown House.

Proceeds will benefit local community needs, as well as the Bird Island Lighthouse Fund. Next year marks the 200th anniversary of the lighthouse.

Once again organizers are seeking corporate sponsors. Donations from the community are still needed to help underwrite the event. Food, services, cash or any other in-kind donation would be greatly appreciated. All contributions are tax deductible.

For more information, or to make a donation, contact: Chris Berg at 508- 776-1615, Steve Gonsalves at 508-264-5852, or Donna Hemphill at 508-748-3515 or email Hemphill at: dhemphill@marionma.gov. You may also send a check made out to: Town of Marion to the Marion Town House, c/o Marion Town Party, 2 Spring St., Marion, MA, 02738.