MARYSVILLE — The community will be glittering with seasonal spirit during the 22nd annual “Merrysville for the Holidays” winter festival on Dec. 4 in downtown Marysville.

The city of Marysville welcomes locals and visitors alike to this free family event from 2-8:30 p.m. in Comeford Park, located at 514 Delta Ave. A variety of new outdoor vendor booths will complement a cavalcade of holiday-themed sights, sounds and treats, culminating in the Electric Lights Parade.

An outdoor arts-and-crafts bazaar will kick off the activities at 2 p.m. A community bonfire, crafts for the kids, vendor booths and other holiday activities will be available starting at 5:30 p.m., during which time event attendees will be able to snap shots of themselves with several specially constructed festive display scenes around the park. The Marysville Kiwanis Club will have a variety of food and beverages available for purchase, with some complimentary refreshments available elsewhere in the park.

The Electric Lights Parade will commence at 6:30 p.m. and feature a procession of vehicles and floats decked out in glistening winter flair. The flotilla will make its way south on State Avenue, from the Marysville Municipal Court to Comeford Park, where Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive dressed and ready for photos.

This year’s Parade Grand Marshal is Navy Cmdr. Adam Welter, representing the sailors of the city’s adopted ship, USS Ingraham, and their families. The ship was honored in October when the city of Marysville dedicated Ingraham Boulevard in the ship’s name at the street’s grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by Welter and dozens of sailors and their families.

At 7 p.m., the lighting of the water tower will officially usher in the start of the holiday season in Marysville. Musical entertainment will follow, featuring holiday favorites from the Marysville-Pilchuck High School Jazz Band.

Festival sponsors also remind visitors to support the Marysville Community Food Bank and Toy Store. Volunteers will be on hand to accept donated non-perishable food items and new, unwrapped gifts. These items will be distributed to families in need prior the Christmas holiday.

A shuttle bus from Marysville Middle School to the festival site will be provided from 3-8:30 p.m. courtesy of Grandview Retirement Communities.

For more event information, please call Marysville Parks and Recreation at 360-363-8400.