MARYSVILLE – The 85th Annual Marysville Strawberry Festival “Honored Traditions, Future Visions” started a week ago, but it really gets into full swing this weekend.

Today, at 10 a.m., the Market in the Park opens at Asbery Field. It features a variety of vendors, including arts and crafts and food, along with musical entertainment starting at 4 p.m.

The carnival is going on at Marysville Middle School, and the Kiwanis Beer Garden near Asbery Field starts this evening.

Saturday is the big day of the festival. At 8 that morning, the Car Show returns to Asbery Field. About 100 cars are expected.

At 10, at Totem Middle School, the annual Rose Planting takes place, this year in honor of Maryfest President Paul Brown.

That afternoon, from 1-3, 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 downtown. 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 are expected.

A fireworks show of about 15 minutes will be shot off right after the parade.

The carnival will be open, weather permitting, Saturday and Sunday, too, as will the market. Saturday, musical entertainment will be provided starting at noon with the Mojo Kings, the Joy Mills Band at 3 and Shelley & The Curves at 5:30. Sunday, Voices of the Village at noon and the Talent Show winners at 1:30 are on tap.