Community Lights brighten Marysville

Marysville residents will have a chance to see which home or business has the most holiday spirit.

Merrysville Community Lights begins Saturday, Dec. 4, and continues through the end of the year. Businesses, residents, and community organizations are encouraged to decorate their home or business and register with the city. Entrees will be placed on an interactive map for people to explore and enjoy.

“It’s just an amazing opportunity for people to be involved and spread holiday cheer,” said Andrea Kingsford, recreation supervisor for the city of Marysville.

Registered participants of Merrysville Community Lights have a chance to compete for several gift baskets, each worth $250, and the winners will be decided by a vote of the people.

Categories are:

• Best Use of Lights – gift basket sponsored by E & E Lumber.
• Fun Family Favorite – gift basket sponsored by the Creamery Co.
• Griswold Award (most over the top) – gift basket sponsored by Costa Home Team.
• Most Creative – gift basket sponsored by Chic-fil-A.
• Best 12th Man Fan – gift basket sponsored by Village Concepts Marysville – Grandview Village.
• Business with the Most Holiday Spirit – Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce.

The contest winners last year were voted by the sponsors. The voting changed this year based on feedback from residents, Kingsford said.

Winners of each category will be announced Dec. 22, which gives plenty of time for people to visit each victorious entry.

Merrysville Community Lights started in 2020 to provide a festive option for families after the pandemic prompted officials to cancel traditional Merrysville for the Holidays events.

“We wanted to still provide a way for people to engage in holiday merriment from the safety of their own vehicle,” Kingsford said of starting Community Lights in 2020.

Interactive maps will be available beginning Dec. 4 and can be accessed from www.marysvillewa.gov. 

“We just invite community members to make an evening of going out and enjoying the lights,” Kingsford said.

Registration for a home, business or organization to participate in Merrysville Community Lights goes until Tuesday, Nov. 30. Go to www.marysvillewa.gov and click “Light up the town with Community Lights Contest.”