Grad Spree

2026 EVENT DETAILS

ABOUT GRAD SPREE

Since 1986, our post-graduation overnight event, Marion Chamber Foundation’s Friends For Life Graduation Spree (known as Grad Spree), has been a cherished tradition, offering high school graduates a safe and substance-free way to celebrate this milestone in their lives. For forty years, we’ve provided a memorable and enjoyable experience for students, ensuring that their graduation night is one they’ll never forget—for all the right reasons.

A Safe and Substance-Free Celebration

At our post-graduation overnight event, safety is our top priority. We understand the temptations and pressures that can come with graduation night, which is why we offer a supportive environment where students can have fun and make memories without the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Our event provides a variety of activities and entertainment options to suit every interest and preference. From games and music to food and friendship, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as they celebrate this momentous occasion.

As we celebrate another year of graduates, we invite you to join us in continuing the tradition of our post-graduation overnight event.

By choosing our substance-free celebration, you’re not only prioritizing your own safety and well-being but also contributing to a positive and supportive community that values responsible decision-making and camaraderie.

Ensure your free event goodie bag by registering for the event by late April. In May, gift bags will be available as supplies last.

EVENT FUNDRAISERS

Every year, we want to create memories that our students will take them into the next chapter of their lives. Traditionally, our Friends For Life Graduation Spree event is approximately $12,000 with the average cost being about $125 per student. Marion Grad Spree would not be possible without the help of our Chamber and community members.

This year’s Duck Spree event will take place on March 10th on the Lazy River at the Hub. Ducks competed for honor and glory in 2 heats with the top 20 ducks taking part in the final race to the finish.

VOLUNTEERING

Volunteers ensure that our Grad Spree guests have an amazing experience. You can be involved in a variety of ways:

Committee Members help to plan the event. This group meets monthly from January to March and then every 2 weeks from April through May.

Event Volunteers include venue volunteers and activity chaperones for Grad Spree. Our chaperones make this a memorable night for the seniors. We have various shifts covering the event from 9 pm to 4 am.

​To sign up to volunteer, call the Chamber at 997-6311 or e-mail the Chamber at programs@marionillinois.com.

2025 EVENT DETAILS

On the unforgettable night of May 15th, right after Marion High School’s Graduation Ceremony, the Class of 2025 came together one last time for Grad Spree—an epic overnight celebration packed with fun, friends, and unforgettable memories. Thanks to the creative input from MHS Student Council Seniors and our dedicated event planning committee, the night was a true celebration of all the hard work and accomplishments of our graduates.

💫 Entertainment & Activities That Wowed

From jaw-dropping performances to high-energy games, there was something for everyone:

🎭 Hypnotist Brian Madrid had the crowd mesmerized and in stitches with his world-class show, turning volunteers into stars in a night of hilarity and amazement.

🔐 Roaming Riddle’s USS-Escape Room Trailer transported grads into a thrilling 1943 submarine mission—cracking codes, solving puzzles, and outsmarting the enemy in an immersive escape experience.

📸 360° Photo Booth, generously sponsored by Banterra Bank, captured grads in their best angles with fun, slow-motion flair!

🏐 The Hub was buzzing all night with sports, pickleball, a silent disco, face painting, swimming, and even a friendship bracelet station!

🎳 SI Bowl’s Bowling & Arcade brought out everyone’s competitive side as teams battled it out for awesome prizes and played their way through the arcade with tokens galore.

🍔 Fuel for Fun

Our grads didn’t go hungry thanks to a mouthwatering lineup of local favorites:

• ☕ Cold Blooded Coffee served up frappes and coffee

• 🥤 Pepsi MidAmerica kept everyone refreshed

• 🍗 Raising Cane’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, and McDonald’s delivered the savory goods

• 🍦 Freddy’s provided sweet custard sandwiches

• 🌮 El Ranchito spiced things up with chips, salsa, and cheese

• 🍪 Subway offered everyone’s favorite cookies

🎁 Prizes, Swag & Giveaways

Grads didn’t leave empty-handed! Each received a Goodie Bag packed with:

• An event T-shirt, sunglasses, cups, snack coupons, and more!

Raffle winners took home incredible prizes like:

• 💻 Laptops

• 🎧 Earbuds & speakers

• 🛏️ Dorm room essentials

• 🎮 Games & gift cards

❤️ A Night of Lasting Memories

Above all, Grad Spree 2025 was about celebrating friendships, shared experiences, and the journey ahead. Whether laughing through a hypnotist show, teaming up in an escape room, or dancing the night away, the Class of 2025 made memories that will last a lifetime.

Thank you to all our sponsors, volunteers, and the Marion High School community for making this night a success. Here’s to the graduates—your future starts now! 🌟

2024 EVENT DETAILS

This year’s Grad Spree event will be after the Marion High School’s Graduation Ceremony on May 16th. Activities and entertainment is provided to each Marion High School graduate free-of-charge.

Exciting Activities:

Our event is packed with exciting activities to keep you entertained all night long.
Hypnotist, Brian Madrid
360 Photo Booth – Sponsored by Banterra Bank
Activities at the Hub, including sports, art station, and swimming
Bowling & Arcade at SI Bowl

Delicious Food:

Enjoy a variety of tasty snacks and refreshments throughout the night, including sandwiches, desserts, and more. – Provided by Chamber Members.
Hamburgers/Cheeseburgers from McDonalds
Chips & Candy
Full Service Coffee Cart from Cold Blooded Coffee
Cookies from Subway
Soda and Water from Pepsi MidAmerica

Prizes and Giveaways:

Test your luck and win fantastic prizes in our raffles and competitions, with giveaways ranging from gift cards to electronics and beyond.

Unforgettable Memories:

Most importantly, you’ll create memories with your fellow graduates that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re sharing laughs with friends, trying new activities, or simply enjoying each other’s company, the post-graduation overnight event is sure to be a night to remember.

2023 EVENT DETAILS

The Marion Chamber of Commerce Foundation hosted the Marion 2023 Friends For Life Graduation Spree (Grad Spree) on May 18th, taking place after the Marion High School’s Graduation Ceremony.

This year’s activities

Activities at the Hub, including sports, art, and swimming
Hypnotist, Brian Madrid
Silent Disco – Sponsored by Cornerstone Church
Bowling & Arcade at SI Bowl

Food & Snacks

Provided by Chamber Members.

Chicken Rice & Cheese from Tequila’s
Hamburgers/Cheeseburgers from McDonalds
Chips & Candy
Full Service Coffee Cart from Cold Blooded Coffee
Soda and Water from Pepsi MidAmerica

2022 EVENT DETAILS

The Marion Chamber of Commerce Foundation will be hosting the Marion 2022 Friends For Life Graduation Spree (Grad Spree) on May 12th, taking place after the Marion High School’s Graduation Ceremony.

This year’s activities

Brian Madrid, a world class hypnotist – Sponsored by the City of Marion
Pirate Pete’s for laser tag and arcade games – Sponsored by Commercial Janitorial Services
The Roaming Riddle Escape Games – Sponsored by Banterra Bank
Silent Disco! – Hosted by Cornerstone Church
Money Grab – Sponsored by Farmers State Bank
Lounge Tent – Sponsored by Farmers State Bank
Art Area
Athletic tournaments, swimming, and much more!
Food & Snacks – Provided by Culver’s, Tequila’s, McDonald’s and more!

FUNDRAISERS

Restaurant / Activities Fundraisers

Enjoy the best food and fun in Marion and help raise funds for this year’s event. Check out the scheduled events below. Thank you to the following members for participating: The Creative Getaway, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Magnus Fear LLC & O’Charley’s – more to come!

2021 EVENT DETAILS

The Marion Chamber of Commerce Foundation was honored to host the Marion 2021 Friends For Life Graduation Spree (Grad Spree) on May 20th, taking place after the Marion High School’s Graduation Ceremony.

This year’s event featured a Pre-Event Party hosted by Rent One Park and Pepsi MidAmerica. Afterwards, graduates traveled to the HUB for a night of great activities – including:

Brian Madrid, a world class hypnotist
The Roaming Riddle Escape Trailer
Skating at Emery Brothers Skating Rink
Student mural project, athletic tournaments, swimming, a game room, and much more!
Food & Snacks from The HUB, Crown Brew, Culver’s, Pepsi Mid-America, and Rent One Park