Merrysville for the Holidays set for Dec. 6

MARYSVILLE —

November 25, 2008 5:29 pm
Families enjoyed dancing in the snow at last year’s Merrysville for the Holidays. City officials aren’t guaranteeing another round of snow
Families enjoyed dancing in the snow at last year’s Merrysville for the Holidays. City officials aren’t guaranteeing another round of snow

MARYSVILLE —

Magical lights and sounds, Comeford Park and State Avenue will glisten with when the 20th anniversary of the Merrysville for the Holidays winter festival and Electric Lights Parade fills downtown Saturday, Dec. 6.

The city invites all the community for an evening of holiday fun, food and music from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in Comeford Park, at 514 Delta Ave.

Starting at 6:30 p.m. the Electric Lights Parade promises a flotilla of vehicles and floats decked out in glistening holiday lights that will make its way along State Avenue from City Hall in the 1000 block of State and ending at the center of activities in Comeford Park.

The Grand Marshal this year is Marilyn Boe, manager of the HomeStreet Bank Marysville Branch. Boe and HomeStreet have been ardent supporters of many new city park projects in Marysville, buying special park furnishings or offering cash. Boe serves as vice chair on the Greater Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and also chairs the chamber’s emissaries group. Boe is also active with Housing Hope, Marysville/North County YMCA and a co-sponsor of the city’s annual document shredding events.

“Since HomeStreet Bank opened in Marysville, Marilyn stepped in immediately to offer support for parks projects as part of the bank’s service to the community. Her involvement has been non-stop ever since,” said Parks and Recreation Director Jim Ballew, as he explained why Boe was selected for the honor.

Immediately following the parade, the lighting of the water tower will officially welcome the start of the holiday season in Marysville.

Musical entertainment features the Northern Sound Advanced Girls Choir from 7 – 7:45 p.m.

Parents should bring their own cameras to capture the kids with Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will make a special appearance at the end of the parade.

Savory treats, hot drinks and crafts will be available for purchase inside the Ken Baxter Senior Community Center, with proceeds benefitting activities at the center.

Last year the event scored an exceptional Merrysville for the Holidays when snowfall coated the park and streets with a light blanket of white.

“We can’t promise snow this year to add to the magic, but you can be sure that we are going to make this year’s event one to remember, so dress warm, and come out and help us kick off the holiday season in the spirit of fun and giving,” Ballew added.

Merrysville for the Holidays is sponsored by the Marysville Parks and Recreation Department, Marysville Kiwanis Club, Marysville Lions Club and Roy Robinson Chevrolet-Subaru.

Operation Marysville Community Christmas

Sponsors are encouraging the community to support Operation Marysville Community Christmas by bringing non-perishable food items and new, unwrapped gifts to the event. The donations will be distributed to families in need prior the Christmas holiday.

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

How to enter your vehicle or group in Electric Lights Parade

Marysville Parks and Recreation wants to see a record turnout of parade entries for the 20th anniversary of the Merrysville for the Holidays Winter Festival and Electric Lights Parade. The parade provides an opportunity for community members to show off their holiday light decorating skills to impressing parade viewers and judges who will award prizes to the best.

Entry in the parade is open to individuals, families, service clubs, sports organizations and businesses. Cost is $10 per entry. Walking and motorized entries are welcome. Motorized entries must be festooned with lights and have valid proof of insurance. Entries must be received by Dec. 3 at the parks office at 6915 Armar Rd. in Marysville.

For information and to obtain an application form call 360-363-8400 or download the form from the city’s Web site at ci.marysville.wa.gov.

More fun on

Third Street

Earlier in the day, Santa Claus will be hanging around at the Marysville Historical Museum, 1508 Third St., from

10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dec. 6.

Photos for $10 will be printed while visitors enjoy refreshments, or take your own photos for free. A unique backdrop features a Model T. Donations toward a new historical museum building will be welcome.