Second Saturday highlights town’s resilience

Downtown Marietta will celebrate its comeback from the flood with Second Saturday, a promotion replacing last week's First Friday that was canceled because of high water.

Businesses have cleaned up and are ready for Saturday, said Jen Tinkler, executive director of Marietta Main Street, the sponsor of First Friday.

"They're really excited about it," she said.

First Friday highlights businesses and events in downtown Marietta on the first Fridays of the month.

However, the Ohio and Muskingum rivers were over flood stage last week, causing the closure of numerous streets and businesses in downtown Marietta hurrying to move goods out of the hazards. First Friday was canceled.

The water receded and the town began cleaning from the aftermath.

The theme of Second Saturday is "Marietta Strong," Tinkler said. It's an affirmation of the community's resiliency and a celebration of the strength and optimism displayed, she said.

"The community was supportive in the cleanup," Tinkler said. "Now we're asking for one more thing, to come down and support the flood promotion."

Second Saturday will be held from 11 a.m-5 p.m. It will not be a recurring event, Tinkler said.

Among the business owners looking forward to Saturday and Second Saturday is Darla Bonnette, the owner of Threadz Boutique on Front Street.

"Accepting the river and all of its glory also means accepting the devastation it can bring," she said. "We were not able to have First Friday, but one thing our community has shown us through all of this is that they will show up when we need you most. We hope to make Second Saturday a huge success for our downtown and I look forward to seeing everyone."

The theme for the canceled First Friday was Marietta's Birthday Party. April 7 is celebrated as Marietta's birthday, the day when settlers from assachusetts arrived in 1788.

The cancellation of First Friday impacted revenue for the participating businesses, too, Tinkler said.

"The vibrancy of our downtown hinges entirely on our small businesses," she said. "Following the loss of sales over several days and the cancellation of First Friday, we urge our community to unite and show support for our shops and restaurants."

Jess Mancini can be reached at jmancini@newsandsentinel.com