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🍭 Sweet summer finales

Marion County • July 31, 2025

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Good morning, Marion County. August is shaping up to be a month of delicious debuts in Columbus! Sweet-toothed students near Ohio State University will soon welcome The Candy Spot's third location on August 1, offering everything from European chocolates to build-your-own confections. Just a day later, acclaimed chef Jamie George steps into East Market's pop-up space with "Plate," a small-plate concept that promises to be the testing ground for his Italian-focused culinary ventures.

While future food destinations take shape, the Ohio State Fair was already cooking with excitement as Grammy winner T-Pain delivered an electrifying performance at the Celeste Center. DJ Montay warmed up the crowd before the main event, creating what photographers captured as an electric atmosphere filled with dancing and cheering fans. Between new candy shops, innovative dining concepts, and world-class entertainment, summer in Marion County is finishing strong.

β˜•οΈ What's Brewing Locally

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🍭 Sweet dreams come true for campus candy lovers next month. The Candy Spot will open its third Columbus location near Ohio State University on August 1, offering international treats and personalized chocolate creations. Owner Ayten Kara specifically chose the campus location to serve students, saying she enjoys their energy and enthusiasm. The family-owned shop will feature unique selections including European chocolates, trendy freeze-dried candies, and a build-your-own chocolate service not available elsewhere in Columbus. Kara actively follows social media trends and customer feedback to keep her inventory fresh and appealing.

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🍽️ Columbus chef Jamie George launches new small plate bar concept. "Plate" will debut on August 2 at East Market's pop-up vendor space, serving as a test kitchen for George's Italian-focused Rize Cafe and supper club. The new venture combines creative small plates with drinks, showcasing unique menu items planned for his other establishments. East Market's operations director Aubrey Stevens expressed excitement about finally bringing George's culinary talents to the market. If successful, Plate could potentially become a permanent vendor at East Market.

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🎀 T-Pain electrifies Ohio State Fair with high-energy performance. The Grammy-winning artist took the stage at the Celeste Center on July 30, 2025, thrilling fans in Columbus with his signature sound. DJ Montay warmed up the crowd with an opening set that had attendees dancing and cheering before the main event. Photos captured by Samantha Madar for the Columbus Dispatch show enthusiastic fans reacting throughout both performances, documenting the night's electric atmosphere.

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🏑 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Foreclosure bargain on Auction: This foreclosure property is available on Auction.com, where it may sell below market value, giving buyers a chance to purchase through the nation's largest online real estate auction marketplace.
Real estate listing image Value brick ranch new features: Priced at $279,998, this half-acre brick ranch offers 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a partial basement, and recent upgrades including a new roof, windows, and bathroom with glass shower. Seller reviewing best offers on 8/7/2025.
Real estate listing image Riverfront horse haven paradise: This riverfront gem priced at $549,900 offers a stunning 3BR/2.5BA home on 2.51 acres with an oak barn housing horse stalls, perfect for nature lovers seeking privacy with scenic Scioto River views.

πŸ—“οΈ Happenings & Hoopla

🎺 Jul. 31 - DCI Drum Corps Show: Feel the thunder as Drum Corps International returns to Marion Harding Stadium! Watch world-class musical athletes compete in this spectacular summer tradition on July 31, with gates opening at 6:30pm and performances starting at 7:30pm.
πŸ– Jul. 31 - Wagner Pork Food Truck: Savor smoky delights as Wagner Pork Farm Food Truck rolls up to Shovel City Drinkery! Indulge in mouthwatering brats, riblets, pulled pork, and nachos on July 31, from 5-9pm at 181 N Main St.
🏍️ Jul. 31 - Bike Night w/ Live Music: Rev up your Wednesday night at OK Café's Bike Night! Enjoy live music from Quenten Veach, delicious food, and exciting prizes on the patio. July 31 at 734 E Center St, Marion.
🏝️ Aug. 01 - TiKi STiK Final Celebration: Raise your tiki torches for TiKi STiK's final year celebration! Join the bittersweet farewell featuring 18 bands over two days at 4000 Larue-Green Camp Rd, with proceeds benefiting Donate Life Ohio. Don't forget your ID!
🀝 Aug. 1 - Acloche Open Interviews: Looking for work? Acloche is hosting open interviews at Ohio Means Jobs in Marion County on August 1. Stop by 622 Leader St to explore new employment opportunities in a friendly setting.
πŸ”₯ Aug. 2 - Sauce Boss Live: Catch the legendary Sauce Boss cooking up blues and gumbo at OK Cafe Marion on August 2! Doors open at 7:00 PM for this sizzling performance at 734 E Center St.
🎀 Aug. 2 - Brigitte Donoho Live: Join gospel artist Brigitte Donoho for an uplifting evening of faith and music at The Central Ohio Association of Christian Broadcasters in Marion on August 2. Doors open at 7:00 PM for this soul-stirring performance.
🎨 Aug. 2 - Teen Art Gallery Escape: Teen art detectives unite! Race against time at Marion Public Library to recover Swoops' Portrait before the thief returns. Solve gallery clues on August 2β€”tweens and teens ages 11-18 welcome.

πŸ™ In Remembrance

Joseph Patrick Forster

Joseph Patrick Forster, 67, of Marion, passed away on July 25, 2025, at Riverside Methodist Hospital. Born in Rochelle, Illinois, Joe initially worked as a farmer and later retired as a shop supervisor from the Marion Correctional Institute. He maintained his passion for farming through collecting toy farm equipment and garden tractors, which he found at various toy shows during his travels. Joe is survived by his siblings Bill, Mary, and Connie, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Joseph Patrick Forster

Jeri Lynn Protheroe

Jeri Lynn Protheroe, 68, of Richwood, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2025, at the Ohio State Medical Center in Columbus. She had worked at Monarch Skilled Nursing and Rehab and the Delaware Area Humane Society, reflecting her love for animals. Jeri was known for her room-filling laugh and sense of humor, and enjoyed traveling throughout the lower 48 states on motorcycle trips with her husband Tom. She is survived by her husband William "Tom" Protheroe, her children Danille and Joseph, six grandchildren who called her "Ozzy," siblings, and many extended family members.

Jeri Lynn Protheroe

Norma Jean Cooper

Norma Jean Cooper, 79, of Marion, OH, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2025. Born on September 12, 1945, to Vern and Gladys Plotner, Norma is survived by her lifelong partner Roger "Buddy" Mount, five children, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and several siblings. She worked at Marion Manor and enjoyed cooking, dancing, singing, and spending time with her grandchildren. A Celebration of Life potluck dinner will be held on August 2, 2025, at the Knights of Columbus in Marion.

Norma Jean Cooper

Grace Iva Ratterman

Grace Iva Ratterman, 87, passed away on July 26, 2025, at Marion General Hospital. Her career included working as an early EKG technician at Marion General Hospital, 27 years at Smith Clinic, and employment at Tecumseh and Friendly's. Grace was passionate about reading, gardening, western films, and crafting, creating beautiful knitted, crocheted, and macramΓ© pieces for her loved ones. She leaves behind a legacy of generosity through her son, eight grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and three siblings, while being preceded in death by her parents, daughter, granddaughter, and two siblings.

Grace Iva Ratterman
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