Business owners voiced concerns Monday night about a scheduled public prayer vigil organized by Mars Borough religious leaders for noon Wednesday at the Mars spaceship.

Business leaders told borough council during its meeting they are concerned the prayer vigil could bring unrest and introduce racial tensions to Mars.

“What if it becomes a demonstration?” asked John Podolak, owner of After Hours Tattoo Studio in Mars.

The business owners asked the borough if the vigil could be moved to a less central location, specifically away from Main Street businesses.

Borough officials said because the event is slated to take place on private property in the center of town, it has no official say in the matter.

“We're intending this to be a positive event,” said Rev. Peter de Vries with Old Union Presbyterian Church in Mars. “Certainly not wanting to introduce trouble.”

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