MARYSVILLE — Comeford Park was drenched but festive through the afternoon and evening of Dec. 5, as the 27th annual Merrysville for the Holidays marked the start of the season.
City recreation coordinator Maryke Burgess appreciated the presence of the 10 food and crafts vendors on the park grounds outdoors, including new arrival Cathouse Pizza and returning favorite Pete’s Toffee, as well as the host of folks selling hats, scarves, handmade jewelry and home decor.
“We’re just thankful that the community still came out in spite of the weather,” Burgess said. “We’ve had plenty of rain before and after the event in years past, but this is the first time in fifteen years that we’ve had rain during the event, so it was exciting to see our turnout stay so strong.”
Burgess joined parks and recreation director Jim Ballew in praising Seattle-based band Soulevard for its selection of Christmas tunes, while the Kiwanis served up hot cocoa with marshmallows, and the Living Room Coffee House deep-fried Oreo cookies, to help folks keep warm.
“We’ve got a loyal community here,” said Ballew, who again served as emcee for the Electric Lights Parade, and estimated this year’s event drew about 1,500 spectators, down from the usual average of 3,000. “Those who showed up stuck around, even after the water tower was lit up.”
Marysville schools superintendent Becky Berg joined Mayor Jon Nehring in counting down to the tower-lighting this year, and was one of 38 parade entrants, down only slightly from the typical roster of 40-plus entries in better weather.
Ballew and recreation coordinator Andrea Kingsford enjoyed the Seahawks “12th Fan” vehicles, as well as the Puget Sound Pediatric Dentistry train float, dubbed the “Molar Express,” which won the Mayor’s Choice Award.
“The Seahawks fans drove nine cars and motorcycles, all professionally detailed with the team’s official colors and decals,” Kingsford said. “They had one Porsche, with a Santa riding shotgun, that won the award for most creative entry.”
The Seahawks “12th Fan” combination of car clubs was new to this year’s parade, as were the Marysville United Methodist Church’s vehicle and trailer. Among the returnees, the Marysville Strawberry Festival’s float again graced State Avenue, the Granite Falls School of Dance showcased their fancy footwork with an assemblage of dancing snowmen, while the Competition Hair & Tanning Salon offered the comical spectacle of the Grinch giving the Mayor of Whoville a haircut.
The Marysville-Pilchuck and Marysville Getchell high school marching bands braved the elements to beat their drums and blow their horns, while the city’s utility vehicles won an award for the best use of lights.
“Our big rigs did an excellent job,” Kingsford said. “The street cleaning truck decorated its hose to look like a candy cane.”
Kingsford and Ballew agreed that the attendees’ mood remained as bright as the day itself was dark.
“Everyone was happy and dancing,” Kingsford said.
“They got wet but had a great time regardless,” Ballew said. “Even after the parade, as kids sat in Santa’s lap and families posed for photos, nobody was really complaining. They all just put on their smiles for the night.”
