Hours after the floodwaters receded, the Marshall community showed up with their shovels,

wheelbarrows, and tractors to start the hard work of rebuilding our town. Those who couldn’t

shovel made coffee, drove shuttles, watched Marshall’s children, offered a shoulder to cry on.

This is the Marshall Magic people speak of. Seven months later, we come together to celebrate

our progress and our community with Marshall Magic Days.

Marshall’s beloved shops and restaurants will celebrate downtown’s reopening with four days of festivities, from May 1 to 4, 2025. A 4 p.m. ribbon cutting will kick off the proceedings on

Thursday, May 1, at which Mayor Aaron Haynie and other town officials will be present.

In addition to many downtown retail shops being open for business, the Marshall Magic Market

will feature vendors selling a wide array of locally made goods. Among the vendors will be

artists from Marshall High Studios, located on Blannahassett Island in Marshall, which was also

heavily damaged by the flood.

Marshall takes pride in its strong musical heritage, which will be on display throughout the

weekend. Zadie’s Market, Mad Co. Brew House, Mal’s Bar, Zuma, and On Your Bike will all

feature local musicians throughout the festivities. Saturday afternoon, OasisLtd. Records will

host live music outdoors on Jerry Plemmons Way.

The town will show off its creativity and resilience through an Art Walk, sponsored by the

Madison County Arts Council, featuring sculpture and other works of art made from reclaimed

flood debris. An interactive children’s art project will be led by Andy and Valerie Clark, founders

of Marshall’s Art Camp on the Island.

Saturday’s events will coincide with the town of Hot Springs’ Town and Trail Fest. Visitors are

highly encouraged to visit both towns and see the progress that Madison County’s impacted

communities have made.

Many downtown businesses will feature special programming of their own throughout Marshall

Magic Days. This event is free to attend and offers activities for the whole family. 

Find a detailed schedule of events on the Downtown Marshall, NC Facebook page. 

Source: The Downtown Marshall Association.