For 50 years the Mark Creek Lions have hosted Marysville Daze at the Lions Park in Marysville. This year the popular event will take place on Saturday, June 3.
Three years ago the Lions changed the name of Central Park to Lions Park, and they also installed washroom facilities with their own funding.
Larry Armstrong of the Mark Creek Lions explained that even though they don’t make a lot of money from the event, any money they do make goes straight into a scholarship fund. This year they will offer four scholarships of $1000 each.
The annual event used to take place in the Marysville Arena, where there was a dance and indoor bocci ball. Over the years, the Lions have re-vamped the event to cut costs associated with renting the arena, and focus more on families.
As usual, the day will start off with a pancake breakfast at 8a.m. The breakfast includes two sausages from Cliff’s Meats, two pancakes, home made hash browns, strawberries and whip cream, and coffee or juice. The breakfast is free for kids ages one to four, $5 for youth ages five to 15, and $8 for everyone 16 and older.
Armstrong says the pancake breakfast is, “the best around.”
Kid’s events start at 10a.m. with various games, a bouncy castle, and a rock climbing wall courtesy of Spirit Rock.
“It’s a good day for kids; it’s a family day,” said Armstrong. “We have parents that were [at the event] as kids, now bringing their kids.”
After the pancake breakfast, there will be a barbecue with hamburgers, hot dogs, and cold drinks for sale. Armstrong says that the Rotarians graciously supply the Lions with a kitchen trailer for cooking, “it’s a kitchen on wheels!”
The market will begin at 8a.m. with approximately 15 local vendors selling candy, lemonade, mini donuts, crafts and more.
Among the many activities taking place around Lions Park, there will also be a slow pitch softball tournament starting at 10a.m. on Saturday; ending on Sunday evening. Overtime brewery will have beer gardens set up and there will be a live DJ as well as live music from local musicians.
The Kimberley Pipe Band will be part of the live entertainment, accompanied by local singers and dancers.
Marysville Daze will end with a meat draw at 5:30p.m. at the Marysville Pub, followed by live music at 9p.m.
