MARYSVILLE — The Marysville Strawberry Festival 78th annual Grand Parade not only attracted an estimated 30,000 spectators in person on State Avenue, but it was also broadcast out live to audiences on cable TV and the Internet this year.

Grand Parade Director Carol Kapua noted the newcomers among this year’s 117 entrants, including several new floats and an equestrian group making its first appearance at a parade anywhere in the state. At the same time, she recognized the return of Grand Parade regulars such as the Clan Gordon Highlanders Pipe Band.

“Everybody loves the pipe bands,” Kapua said. “We also have our high school bands, and several other bands here in the community, plus outside the area. We have a lot of drill teams, a lot of dance groups and cheerleaders.”

Among the VIPs who made appearances were Grand Parade Marshal Mary Kirkland of Hilton’s Pharmacy, Marysville Mayor Dennis Kendall and the Senior Royalty Kings and Queens from the Marysville Care Center, Grandview Village, Madeline Villa and the Tulalip Senior Center.

“It’s always fun to have them here,” Kapua said. “We have several children’s groups, and a wide variety of entrants for people to enjoy. It’s great to have such community spirit. The community has really turned out. It’s exciting to drive down on Saturday morning and see all the chairs along the parade route. To make that one little child point his finger and say, ‘Look, look, look,’ that makes it all worthwhile.”

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