Marysville offers photo contests for Fourth of July

Marysville's Fourth of July event will not be able to return this year due to COVID-19 but the city is still planning virtual celebration items for the community to enjoy.

One of the first items for the city's Fourth of July that has been announced is a series of photo contests which will allow residents to get into a patriotic spirit.

Because of COVID-19 the city can't plan a return of last year's Independence Day celebration and fireworks.

"We can't be together for this year's normal event, but we still wanted a way to get out and engage with people," said Jennifer Friess, sports supervisor with the city of Marysville's Parks, Culture and Recreation Department.

"We put together these Fourth of July contests because we wanted a fun way to engage with the community for the day," said Friess.

"We tried to get creative for ways for us to come together as a community," she said.

Participants can enter the contest by submitting their photo online with "#msvl4thcontest" to Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

"We wanted to make it super simple," said Friess. "We are also letting people know that they will have to make the photos public so that we can see them."

Prizes will be given out, although the exact prizes have not been announced yet. Winners are planned to be announced in a video by the mayor.

Photos must be submitted by July 6 at noon.

There are four categories in which people can submit their photos.

The first is 'Patriotic Pets' meant to allow people to get their best pet costumes out. "We know people love to dress up their pets," said Friess.

There is also the category 'Here's Looking At You Marysville' for family Fourth of July photos.

"We want to see people in their patriotic outfits," said Friess. "Let's see that red, white and blue."

Participants can also show off their lawns and decorations in the 'It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood' category.

"There's so many people, in this community and others, that like to decorate," said Friess. "We want to see those gorgeous yards in red, white and blue."

The final category is 'Nailed It' in which locals are encouraged to re-create some patriotic cakes. City officials are working with local business Caketastic to create a couple of Fourth of July cakes.

"We want people to do their best to recreate these awesome Fourth of July cakes," said Friess.

The city is planning more activities for the Fourth of July as well.

"There is more virtual programming for the day that will be announced later," said Friess.

More options to help celebrate the Fourth of July include:

Miles for Marysville

In this fitness challenge, track how many miles you walk, bike or run and submit them online. Post participate selfies using the #milesformarysville hashtag. Contest deadline is noon Monday, July 6. For more information visit the city's website.

Crafts

• 4th of July planter with Sunnyside Nursery
• Painted Mason jars
• Patriotic tin can clangers

Food

• Barbecue tips from Jeff’s Texas Style BBQ
• Sides and salad with Bleacher’s Grill at Cedarcrest Golf Course
• Desserts from Village Taphouse & Grill

Music

• Fourth of July music with the EveryLeaf Band

For more information, visit https://www.marysvillewa.gov/1009/Marysville-4th-of-July.