MARYSVILLE — The city of Marysville invites families to step into a winter wonderland of holiday fun, food, music and a parade of lights during the 23rd annual “Merrysville for the Holidays” celebration on Saturday, Dec. 3, in Comeford Park.
The free festival’s main event commences at 6:30 p.m. with the Electric Lights Parade, a flotilla of vehicles and floats decked out in glistening holiday lights that will make its way along State Avenue, before arriving at the center of activities in Comeford Park, located at 514 Delta Ave. This year’s parade begins at the Marysville Municipal Court, located at 1015 State Ave.
Immediately after the parade, at about 7 p.m., the lighting of the water tower will officially welcome the start of the holiday season in Marysville. Musical entertainers the New Marysville City Bank will play the sounds of the season in the Rotary Pavilion from 7-7:45 p.m. Bring a camera for photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus after the parade, as well as in family holiday photo scenes.
Marysville Parks and Recreation Director Jim Ballew invites families, individuals and groups to watch and participate in this annual festival and parade.
“We are thrilled to once again bring you this special holiday event to help families in our community kick off the holiday season in the spirit of fun and giving,” Ballew said. “So dress warm and cozy, and be prepared for a dazzling evening in downtown Marysville.”
This year’s featured sponsors include the Marysville Lions and Kiwanis clubs, Ivar’s, Vinaccio’s Coffee, M-DOG, Marysville Kids Matter, the Marysville-Pilchuck High School Band Boosters, BECU, the Marysville Co-Op and Girl Scouts, with plenty of savory treats from local vendors.
You can also support Operation Marysville Community Christmas and help the Marysville Community Food Bank in a poor economy that has put far too many families in need this year. 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.
For more information, please call the Marysville Parks and Recreation Department at 360-363-8400 or visit the city’s website at http://marysvillewa.gov.
Event-goers who come extra early can get a head start on shopping for holiday bargains at the annual free Holiday Craft Show in the Ken Baxter Community Center in Comeford Park from 2-8:30 p.m. Plenty of hand-crafted items will be available at vendor tables, including holiday wreaths, garden art, jewelry, purses, cards and artwork, as well as other gifts for children and everyone on your shopping list.
