MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - A long-standing holiday tradition, the 73rd Annual Marysville Christmas Parade will return to the streets of historic downtown Marysville on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 5 p.m.

Presented by the City of Marysville, the theme of the 2024 parade is “A Night at the Nutcracker.” The parade will begin at 6th & D Streets, head south to 2nd & D Streets, then turn eastbound on 2nd St., and finally turn northbound onto C St., ending at 5th & C Streets. Parade coordinators expect approximately 100 entries to make their way down D Street for this cherished holiday tradition.

The Grand Marshal of this year’s parade is Mary Jane Griego, owner of Duke’s Diner in Olivehurst and former Yuba County Supervisor for District 3 (2001–2017). During her time in office, she championed levee improvements to enhance public safety for Yuba County residents and was a strong supporter of the development of what is now the Hard Rock Casino & Hotel at Fire Mountain. Griego currently serves Yuba County on the Olivehurst Public Utility District’s Water & Wastewater Committee and the Central Valley Flood Protection Board’s Feather River Committee.

Griego will be accompanied by her grandchildren, Moira, Adaline, Olivia, and Little Duke Griego, as she is escorted by the Marysville Police Department along the parade route.

Santa will greet parade-goers from high atop the Marysville Fire Department’s ladder truck, and his elves will pass out candy canes along the route to children attending the parade. Following the parade, join Santa and his elves at Edible Memories Bakery at 321 3rd St. for Cookies & Cocoa with Santa. Santa will listen to the holiday wishes of every boy and girl, while families enjoy warming up with rich hot cocoa and delectable cookies, freshly baked by Edible Memories Bakery.

Parade applications are available at www.marysville.ca.us. Entry fees are $25 for non-profit organizations and $50 for commercial businesses and organizations without active IRS non-profit status. A late fee of $25 will be applied to all applications received after Nov. 27, but parade officials will accept late applications through Wednesday, Dec. 4.

Friday, Dec. 6

5:30 p.m.: Lighting of the Marysville Christmas Tree (Park at 3rd & D Streets).

5 to 9 p.m.: Candy Cane Lane will take place on D Street between 3rd & 4th Streets. The event features a toy drive, pictures with Santa, and a vendor fair.  Bring a $10 toy to donate to a child in need and get a picture with Santa!

Saturday, Dec. 7

8 a.m.: Training Zone’s Elf Run 5K Run/Walk (levee behind Training Zone at 830 J St., Marysville)

5 p.m.: 73rd Annual Marysville Christmas Parade “A Night at the Nutcracker.”

For more information, call (530) 763-5402 or email [email protected].