A Marysville tradition that began in 1976 and drew more than 5,000 people in its first year will celebrate a milestone this spring as the 50th annual Mother’s Day Market returns May 9-10 in Marysville City Park.
Sponsored by OneMarysville, the Market will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 9, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 10. Organizers report vendor space is full for the milestone year, with shopping, food, music and family activities planned throughout the weekend.
The first Bicentennial Flea Market was held in 1976 in conjunction with Marysville’s celebration of the nation’s bicentennial. The inaugural event was held on Mother’s Day in downtown Marysville. Howard Kessinger, editor of the “Marysville Advocate,” later wrote that the “flea market turned the clock back on three blocks of Main Street to the days when conversation was more important than business and time was something we enjoyed.”
Fifty years later, the event is still held on Mother’s Day weekend. What began as a one-day downtown flea market has grown into a two-day event in Marysville City Park, now known as the Mother’s Day Market.
“This event has always been about more than shopping,” said Kate Martinez, event organizer. “It brings people together. Families come back year after year, people run into neighbors and old friends. We’re thrilled the park will be full to celebrate the 50th anniversary.”
Shoppers will find a wide variety of merchandise throughout the grounds, including handmade crafts, antiques, collectibles, boutique items, jewelry, clothing, home décor, garden pieces, floral products, specialty gifts, baked goods and more. Food vendors will also be on site serving pizza, barbecue, cheesecakes, kettle corn, cotton candy, fresh drinks, frozen treats and other festival favorites.
A new Shop and Win promotion will run both days to encourage visitors to support vendors throughout the park. On Saturday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 2:30 p.m., shoppers will receive tickets with purchases. The more booths visited and the more purchases made, the more chances to win. Tickets may be turned in at the Information Booth. Three winners each day will receive $75 in Chamber Bucks. Winners will be announced at 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
At 11 a.m. Saturday, The String Beans will perform in a show co-sponsored by the Marysville Public Library. The Lincoln, Nebraska, group has entertained families since 2004 with original songs about animals, cartoons, food, science, sports and other kid-favorite topics. Their live shows are known for humor, crowd participation and getting children singing, dancing and involved.
At 1 p.m. Saturday, the Mom and Me Look-Alike Contest will take place. The winning mother will receive flowers, while the matching child will receive a basket of Marysville goodies.
On Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Live Circuit, featuring former Marysville resident Mike Wiegers, will perform favorite hits from the 1980s and 1990s. Wiegers, a 1978 graduate of Marysville High School, plays bass for the band, which also includes Don Desmond on guitar and vocals, Pat Powell on vocals and Kent Conrad on drums. The group performs recognizable favorites from multiple decades.
Families also are invited to take part in a Generations Contest throughout the weekend by registering at the Information Booth. The family attending with the most generations represented will receive a prize, a fitting tribute to an event that has been shared by grandparents, parents, children and grandchildren for five decades.
Children’s activities across the park will include kite flying, chalk art, a story walk, a dinosaur dig, giant Jenga and photo opportunities.
Admission is free. For more information, visit onemarysville.com or call 785-562-3101.
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