Courtney KnochEarlier this month, community members came together to make sure the leaves were swept up, trash thrown away, weeds pulled, and storefronts were all shining. Our historic brick streets welcomed locals and visitors alike. And on April 6th, the visitors brought a lot more attention than usual.
Political inclinations aside, the attention that Marietta received with Governor Kasich’s visit was absolutely amazing. A presidential candidate coming home to address his state is a special honor in the midst of debates and primary elections and appearances all over the country. Governor Kasich’s choice meant a lot to the area, with many people putting their differences and political opinions aside to help sweep the streets, pick up trash and hang the red, white and blue bunting outside businesses around the city.
After the Clean Sweep event that took place on April 2nd with an estimated 70 volunteers, our city was in high spirits and looking beautiful. Marietta supporters of all ages and inclinations came together to rake, sweep, clean and beautify everywhere from Harmar Village to the River Trail, and from Front Street up to Third Street. Cristie Thomas, Executive Director of Marietta Main Street, talks about the Clean Sweep event and why Marietta Main Street works towards preserving, enhancing, and enjoying downtown Marietta: “Beautifying our community encourages people to take pride in our small town. There’s so much Marietta, Ohio has to be proud of and with each and every event Marietta Main Street holds, we hope to bring more people together to strengthen our downtown and continue to grow ourselves as one of the best small towns in the U.S.”
When Wednesday rolled around and streets started closing down, the downtown area was buzzing with energy as people came out to take a look, express an opinion, or attend a reception. Along with the CVB and Heritage Ohio, Marietta Main Street hosted a reception at the Marietta Brewing Company, with many local business owners, community members and city representatives advocating and discussing our area with legislators and state reps to really show how much this area means to the state. Heritage Ohio helped speak for Marietta as well as our lovely home state, and all these organizations came together to provide a platform for businessmen and community neighbors alike to uplift Marietta. Representatives were able to see our love of community and our sense of pride.
After all the receptions were said and done, the People’s Bank Theatre was beaming with patriotism as Governor Kasich gave his State of the State Address. The honor of being chosen to host the event, after reopening its doors a few months prior, was fantastic for our newest attraction in the downtown area. With star spangled lighting across the state, the theatre really represents the historic significance and the life of Marietta.
The best part was seeing people with strong political opinions, especially during a high energy election year, put their differences aside to talk about our beloved Marietta and uplift the Mid-Ohio Valley. It goes to show the love and pride in one’s hometown can always rise above the difference in views.