When movers and shakers in Sylacauga decided to tout what earned the city its name and reputation, the result was an impressive Marble Festival that drew from near and far.

That first year saw a cultural exchange between a city in Italy known for its marble industry and Sylacauga, known here at home as the Marble City.

An Italian sculptor made the trek to Sylacauga, sculpting a piece of work from Sylacauga marble he gave as a gift to the city after crowds watched the masterpiece being created.

Other sculptors demonstrated their craft during a multi-day celebration of Sylacauga’s marble industry, and a host of activities and events attracted thousands to Sylacauga.

As a follow-up to the successes seen in the first year, organizers are now planning the second Sylacauga Marble Festival — “The Magic of Marble.”

Sylacauga Arts Council President Ted Spears rightly notes that marble is the centerpiece of the city, and the aim is to raise awareness about its importance to Sylacauga and lure tourists to town to see what it’s all about.

Italian Master Sculptor Giovanni Balderi arrives March 16, and he will be working with other sculptors at Central Park during the festival that concludes March 27.

Artists will be painting at various points in the city, and student art will be on display as well. A 5K Marble Run, a lecture on the history of the marble industry and displays of how marble is used in everything from toothpaste to chewing gum will be part of the festival.

Sylacauga is the marble center of Alabama, and promoters are right to tell its story well beyond its borders.

This is precisely the kind of event and venue to do it justice.