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Former Marion, IL Mall Now Open to the Public as Oasis Powersports

Event announcement of Oasis in the Old Marion mall and shows a hand holding a hot dog.
Oasis
/
Black Diamon Family of Businesses

The Black Diamond Family of Businesses invites Southern Illinois to join in celebrating the Oasis Grand Re-Unclosing of the former Illinois Star Centre Mall.

Once a symbol of commerce and community, the mall has now been re-imagined into a hub for adventure and recreation as Oasis Powersports and Oasis RV. This transformation not only breathes new life into a long-vacant space but also cements Southern Illinois as home to a destination unlike any other in the country.

The Oasis Grand "Re-Unclosing" is a celebration of progress, community, and the future of Southern Illinois.

The public is welcome to step inside the reinvented mall Friday, October 3 and Saturday, October 4 from 9am to 6pm each day.

Original Release:

The Black Diamond Family of Businesses invites Southern Illinois to join in celebrating the Oasis Grand Re-Unclosing on Friday, October 3rd, and Saturday, October 4th. This milestone event marks the completion of not one, but two major achievements for the region.

The first is the transformation of the former Illinois Star Centre Mall into Oasis Powersports, the largest powersports dealership in the nation. Once a symbol of commerce and community, the mall has now been reimagined into a hub for adventure and recreation. This transformation not only breathes new life into a long-vacant space but also cements Southern Illinois as home to a destination unlike any other in the country.

The second milestone is the long-awaited relocation of Oasis RV & Motorhomes into its
permanent, massive home just west of Target in Marion. This expansive new facility offers a modern layout, greater inventory, and the space needed to better serve customers from across the region and beyond.

Together, these achievements make history as the Illinois STAR Bond Districtโ€™s first-ever Destination Retailer, setting the stage for growth, tourism, and economic impact that will benefit the entire region.

โ€œWe are REALLY excited,โ€ said Shad Zimbro, co-founder of the Black Diamond Family of
Businesses. โ€œThis project represents more than just new walls or new showrooms โ€” itโ€™s about giving back to Southern Illinois. For years, the mall was a centerpiece of the community. Now, with this transformation, weโ€™re turning it into a destination that will once again draw people to our area. We couldnโ€™t be more proud to welcome everyone inside.โ€

โ€œThis event marks a huge step forward for Oasis RV & Motorhomes,โ€ said Larry Webb, General Manager of Oasis RV & Motorhomes. โ€œIt allows us to finally move into our BIG new permanent location just west of Target. With the expanded space and improved layout, weโ€™ll be able to offer more inventory, more options, and more comfort for our customers โ€” whether theyโ€™re shopping from down the road or across the country.โ€

The Oasis Grand Re-Unclosing isnโ€™t just a sales event โ€” itโ€™s a celebration of progress,
community, and the future of Southern Illinois. Guests can expect:

โ€ข More ATVs, side-by-sides, dirt bikes, street bikes, and watercraft than ever before

โ€ข A massive lineup of travel trailers, toy haulers, fifth wheels, and motorhomes

โ€ข More of the brands people want, including Polaris, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Jet Ski, Sea Doo,

Winnebago, Forest River, Grand Design, Thor, and more

โ€ข Oasis Hot Dog Wiener Stations (11 AM โ€“ 2 PM daily) โ†’ Build your hot dog your way

โ€ข Samples of the newest 7-Up flavors courtesy of Pepsi MidAmerica โ€” Endless Summer

& Tropical

Event Details:

Friday, October 3rd & Saturday, October 4th from 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Oasis Powersports - Our NEW place in the OLD Marion Mall

Oasis RV & Motorhomes - Parked proudly just West of Target

This is the first opportunity for the public to step inside the reinvented mall and see the future of RV and powersports retail in Southern Illinois.

Leah Lerner is a media writer, producer, and announcer at WSIU Public Broadcasting located at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Contact WSIU Radio at 618-453-6101 or email wsiunews@wsiu.org.
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