ionia downtown development authority newsletter march 2020 · the donor package provides several...
TRANSCRIPT
Ionia Downtown Development Authority Newsletter
March 2020
Ionia Mural Project
The long anticipated Ionia Mural Project is underway and will be completed by early summer. Through the
Mural Project, the community’s rich history will again come alive on the brick exterior of the majestic Ionia
Theatre. Once completed, the mural will provide a snap shot of history from the late 1800’s to the 1960’s.
The locomotive depicts the mode of travel used by thousands of visitors, national leaders, the beginning of
the industrial age, and those looking to settle in the community. The painting of the great Hotel Bailey that
once sat where the Theatre stands today, represents a time of prosperity and a home away from home for
weary travelers. The service station was one of Ionia’s firsts and remained on the site for decades. It
represents the leap from the depression era to a time when travel was as unlimited as was our imagination.
The Ionia Theatre is located on the first block of the downtown and chosen to be the site to begin our
story. The mural painting will be placed on aluminum panels and then attached to the east exterior wall of
the Ionia Theatre. To assist with the project, the DDA created a donor program for those wishing to assist
us in the monumental task. The donor package provides several levels of giving designed to meet
the needs of support for the project. Each recognizes the generous contributions of individuals and area
organizations. If you would like to view a number of murals created by the artist, he has several works in
neighboring communities including Fowler, Westphalia and Pewamo.
Visionary Level: $3,000 and above Legacy Level: $2,000 to $2,999
Benefactor Level: $1,500 to $1,999 Contributing Level: $1,000 to $1,499
Friend Level: $500 to $999 Patron Level: $150 to $499
Community Supporter Level: $25 to $149
Ionia Downtown Development Authority
2020 Board of Directors
Mike Kirgis, Chairperson
John Krueger, Vice Chairperson
Dave Cook, Secretary
Tim Hemenway, Treasurer
Margot Cook
Paul Lentz
Tim Paton
Chris Sorrell
Mayor Daniel Balice, Ex-Officio
Contact Information
Director: Linda Curtis
Office: 203 W Main Street
(east of Ionia Theatre)
Mail: P.O. Box 496
Ionia, MI 48846
Phone: (616) 527-1420
Fax: (616) 527- 0810
www.cityofionia.org
2020 Meeting Schedule
Regularly scheduled meetings of
the DDA are held on the third
Wednesday of each month at
8am at City Hall located at 114
North Kidd Street.
March 18th
April 15th
May 20th
June 17th
July 21st
DDA Committees
The DDA welcomes new
members to their respective
committees. If you have an
interest in special events,
promotion and marketing or
business development, please
contact us by calling 527-1420.
DDA Board Meetings
Meetings are held on the third
Wednesday of each month at
8am at City Hall, 114 North Kidd
Street. The public is welcome to
attend.
Upcoming Special Events
Each Wednesday
Ionia Commission on Aging
Luncheon - Take out style.
Chamber Business Expo
Saturday, March 14th
Women’s Expo
Saturday, April 25th
Chamber Golf Classic
May 15th
Ionia Classic Car Show
in downtown Ionia
Saturday, June 6th
Michigan Wizard of Oz Festival
in downtown Ionia
Friday, June 12th
and Saturday, June 13th
The Cow Pie Classic
Michigan Gravel Race Series
Saturday, June 20th
Ionia Fireworks Display
launched from the
Fairgrounds
Thursday, July 2nd
Ionia Area Chamber of Commerce Business Expo
The Ionia Area Chamber of Commerce Business Expo returns on
Saturday, March 14th from 9am to 2pm at the High School located
on Tuttle Road. More than 100 vendors will be featured offering
information on their respective businesses. From healthcare to
jewelry, you will be able to find everything you need at the Expo. Ionia
Public Safety will be hosting their annual Pancake Breakfast - a favorite
stop for all. If you are interested in becoming a vendor or seeking
additional information, contact the Ionia Area Chamber of Commerce
office at (616) 527-2560.
Leida’s Sweets & Treats
More than just baked goods!
Beginning March 3rd, sandwiches and pickle wraps will
be sold in addition to delicious baked goods.
313 West Main Street, Downtown Ionia
Free Pancake Breakfast
Saint John The Apostle Episcopal Church
107 West Washington Street
Sunday, March 1st from 9am - 9:45am.
For vendor information and /
or sponsor opportunities,
please contact the
Tami Miller / Sentinel Standard
by calling (906) 440-9909
or by email at
Commission on Aging Lunch To Go!
Each Wednesday
11:30am to 12:30pm.
Cost: $3 for each or $5 for combo
115 Hudson Street
2020 Michigan Wizard of Oz Festival and
Grand River Marketplace Arts & Craft Show
Join us Friday, June 12th and Saturday, June 13th in
downtown Ionia for Michigan’s only Wizard of Oz
Festival. As a tribute to the 81st anniversary of the movie’s
release, we have planned two days of fun for every
member of the family.
The movie that started it all will be shown at the iconic Ionia
Theatre. Tickets are priced as they were eighty-one years ago
- just 25 cents per person. Have you heard the myths relating
to the production of the movie and wondered what was factual
and what was not? Don’t miss the special presentation of
“Truth or Myth” by famed Oz historians James and Amanda
Wallace. Author’s Alley is your spot to purchase an
autographed copy of Oz related editions. Our fair city has
mentions in several.
We are pleased to announce the festival’s line-up of Celebrity
Guests will include Mary Ellen St. Aubin - Munchkin by
Marriage, famed Oz authors Amanda & James Wallace and
Ron Baxley, Jr. Representing the ever popular gift shop
Storyland Collectibles, Karen Owens will be showcasing a
complete gift line for all ages. The International Wizard of Oz
Club invites you to join their organization at a special vendor
booth filled with Oz memorabilia.
You won’t want to miss the special makeover of the King of
the Forest - the Cowardly Lion, Professor Marvel’s meeting
with Dorothy, the Wicked Witch’s departure and other skits
performed on stage. Purchase tickets early for Glinda’s Tea
Party and the Witch’s Broomstick Breakfast as seating is
limited. Contact the DDA office for ticket information. Each
are fun -filled events for children. Join in the fun during the
Costume Contests, craft workshops, photo ops with our
Official Characters and so much more.
Visit the First Christian Church located at 130 East
Washington Street from 10am to 4pm on Saturday. Vintage
feed sack quilts from the 1930’s in addition to a beautiful
collection of aprons from the same time period will be on
display. Take a step back in time at Auntie Em’s Quilt & Apron Show.
This year we have partnered with the “Grand River Marketplace Arts & Craft Show” bringing vendors from afar with
arts, crafts, antiques, repurposed / reclaimed furniture, and vintage treasures galore - Oz and not! Shopping for your
special pet - large or small? Visit “Toto & Friends.” Vendors specializing in pet toys, clothing and more will be on site.
Adding to the excitement of the Festival are Citywide Garage Sales and Downtown Sidewalk Sales. We are seeking
vendors to join us. For additional information and applications, contact the Ionia DDA at (616) 527-1420 or by email at
