With rain in the forecast for Saturday and Sunday there was a chance the annual Marion Town Party might have been a wash.

Luckily, the showers stopped before 4 p.m. and residents arrived for the family-friendly celebration held on the grounds of the Town House.

“We just need a big circus tent to hold it under,” said Jody Dickerson, director of the Marion Recreation Department.

The party has been held in one form or another since 1880. It’s been known as Marigold Days and the Marion Block Party in the past.

Since it began, different groups have organized the even through the years, including members of the Benjamin D. Cushing VFW Post.

Post members still help out, but the party is now organized by the Marion Recreation Department with the assistance of many individuals, civic groups and local businesses.

Activities started at 4 p.m. on Saturday and continued into the evening that featured a climbing wall, bounce houses and music.