MARYSVILLE – The nine-day Marysville Strawberry Festival’s big finale is a jam-packed day culminating in the Twilight Grand Parade, but it’s the kids that get the party started on opening weekend.

This year’s festival kicks off and brings back the Kids Day Party in the Park from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, June 9 at Asbery Field.

Maryfest organizer Marcy Giesler is over the moon with the turnout of activity and food vendors who want to make the day special for children.

“Our theme is Jam ‘In Marysville, come dance and have fun with us,” Giesler said.

This year features a bounce house “neighborhood” with five houses, a mechanical bull, and visits from The Reptile Man, The Bubble Man, The Imagination Band, a balloon artist and face painters.

A Kung Fu 4 Kids demonstration, skit from Red Curtain Theatre Foundation kid actors and an ROTC routine are planned, as well as coloring contests and giveaways and activities planned by participating organizations and businesses.

Plenty of mascots are coming to the party, too. Meet Webbly from the Everett Aqua Sox, The Bee from Applebee’s and The Builder from Home Depot.

The free event, but food is available for purchase from vendors selling Hawaiian Shave Ice, cotton candy, ice cream, hot dogs, sandwiches and wraps, macaroni and cheese, salads, kettle korn, coffees, Italian sodas, tea, lemonade and other beverages.

Organizers will be selling themed Strawberry Festival T-shirts, scarves, sock and pins so you can be fashionable and in the spirt of festival week in Marysville. Bring a non-perishable food item for the food bank.