MARYSVILLE – Despite dark, cloudy skies most of the day, a few hundred children and their families and friends attended the Kids Party in the Park Saturday.

The party, along with the Berry Run, kicks off the 87th Annual Marysville Strawberry Festival.

Kids of all ages had mostly free fun June 9.

Caydence Shapiro of Marysville is only 3, but she was able to do backward somersaults for the first time on the guided trampoline. Young teenagers Molly Schakle and Caden Simpson of Stanwood enjoyed bouncing on balls and dancing with the Apple-Bee.

Dads, moms and kids made decorative small planter boxes using kits and hammers from Home Depot, which advertised its free Kids Workshops on the first Saturday of every month from 9 a.m. to noon.

The Balloon Man and The Reptile Man with his colorful snakes, giant turtle and small gator also entertained the crowds.

The festival royalty also came by to visit.