MARYSVILLE – Santa is in town Saturday for the annual Merrysville for the Holidays.

Santa also will be at the new Marysville Historical Museum Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in the Electric Lights Parade starting at 6:30 p.m. Following that the Water Tower will light up, and there will be a bonfire.

Prior to that, at 5 p.m., photo booths will be available free to the public, along with various activities. Food will be available for purchase.

At 5:30 p.m., a Holiday Concert featuring Soulevard will take place under the gazebo.

The “Father of Merrysville” has been named grand marshal for the holiday parade.

Mayor Jon Nehring has named Jim Ballew, the man behind the city’s “Merrysville for the Holidays” celebration, the grand marshal.

The parks director has shepherded the festival since its start 29 years ago with Santa, cookies and music in the former gazebo at Comeford Park.

The holiday parade and water-tower lighting came a few years later. “Establishing a tradition that’s really important to this community – I’m proud of that,” Ballew said.

Parks staff starts preparing for the celebration mid-year.

“On the day of,” he said, “we feel like Santa’s elves.” Meanwhile, between now and Dec. 8 the Jimmy John’s of Marysville is giving out a free sub sandwich to anyone who donates a new unwrapped toy or kids coat.

Coming up, Cedarcrest Golf Course becomes an after-dark winter wonderland when fairways are transformed into a showcase of dazzling light displays celebrating the holiday season.

The 2017 Holiday Tour of Lights is open from 5:30-9:30 p.m. or until tickets sell out, on: Dec. 8-9, 13-16 and 20-23. Board the Marysville Rotary Train for a 20-minute ride through the rolling hills passing through polar bear forest, minion village and other displays. You may even catch a glimpse of Santa. New displays include animated nature and march of the penguins. In addition to music at the “depot train station” and Santa’s Workshop, there will also be two new areas playing holiday music. You can also take keepsake pictures at the new family photo backdrop.

Then relax on the deck, sip hot cocoa, roast marshmallows and enjoy a free s’more. Admission is free, with donations accepted. For details, visit marysvillewa.gov or call 360-363-8400. The golf course is located at 6810 84th St. N.E.