MARYSVILLE – The 85th Annual Marysville Strawberry Festival “Honored Traditions, Future Visions” kicked off Saturday with the Kids Party in the Park at Asbery Field.
A few hundred children and their parents braved the often rainy weather to see local favorites such as The Reptile Man and The Bubble Man. Participants in the free events that always begin festival week also were able to do tricks on a trampoline, jump in bouncy houses, do somersaults on mats, play mini golf, create arts and crafts, lift weights, play games and win prizes, and get their faces painted.
On Sunday, the Berry Run/Walk took place at Tulalip.
The Talent Show will take place Tuesday, instead of Thursday this year, because of a prior commitment at Marysville-Pilchuck’s auditorium. More than 25 acts have been selected to perform, featuring vocalists, dancers, guitarists, pianists, etc. ranging from ages 3 to adult. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Admission is $5; children under 7 are free.
Also Tuesday, but at the Marysville Opera House at noon, is the annual Fashion Show.
The carnival is set to show up Thursday at 10 a.m. at Marysville Middle School. It will be open, weather permitting, daily through the end of the festival Sunday, June 19.
The popular Market in the Park will open Friday from 2-9 p.m. It features vendors selling a variety of products at Asbery Field. Entertainment starts that afternoon, starting at 4:30 p.m. with the Pennies for Puppies K-9 Demonstrations. The Raucous band will then play from 6-9 p.m.
The nearby Kiwanis Beer Garden also opens that evening from 5-10.
Saturday morning at 8 the Car Show returns, also at Asbery Field. About 100 cars are expected.
Also that morning, at 10 at Totem Middle School, is the annual Rose Planting, in honor of this year’s Maryfest President Paul Brown.
Musical entertainment starts at noon that day with the Mojo Kings, followed by the Joy Mills Band at 3 and Shelley & The Curves at 5:30.
Also that afternoon, from 1-3 p.m., strawberry shortcake eating contests will take place at Asbery Field. Divisions are by age groups.
The Kiddies Parade will take place that evening at 6. The categories are: costumes, wheels, pets, groups and floats. The Twilight Grand Parade begins at 7:45 p.m. with historian Ken Cage the grand marshal. More than 120 entries often sign up to be in the parade.
Fireworks will be shot off right after the parade that last around 15 minutes.
The festival eases to a close Sunday with the market still open, along with the rides. Musical entertainment will be provided by Voices of the Village at noon and the Talent Show winners at 1:30.
