By Wayne Kruse
The 18th annual Big Blue BBQ and the 34th annual AutoFest Car Show may be the headliners of Big Blue River Days, but visitors will find much more than barbecue and classic cars when the celebration returns to downtown Marysville on Friday and Saturday, June 5-6.
From pickleball and live music to history programs, downtown shopping, gardening workshops, model trains and family activities, organizers have packed the weekend schedule with events designed to appeal to all ages.
One of the newest additions to Big Blue River Days is the Pickleball Tournament at the Kramer Family Tennis Complex. The tournament opens Friday at 4 p.m. with the Youth Division for players ages 12-19. Competition resumes Saturday at 9 a.m. with Adult Divisions for ages 20-49 and Seniors 50 and older.
The tournament offers cash prizes in each division. Adult divisions will award $100 for first place, $50 for second, $30 for third and $20 for fourth. Youth division prizes include $40 for first place, $30 for second place and $20 for both third and fourth place. Entry is $20 per team, and proceeds benefit the Marysville High School girls and boys tennis programs and junior high tennis programs.
Friday evening activities begin with Cruise Night from 5-8 p.m. as classic vehicles line Broadway ahead of Saturday’s AutoFest Car Show. VIP Night begins at 6 p.m., followed by Turtle Races at 7 p.m. The evening concludes with Steven Bankey & The Flatland Band at 8:30 p.m. on the main stage.
The Kansas City-based group has developed a strong following throughout the Midwest by blending country storytelling with southern rock influences. The band has shared stages with national acts including Whiskey Myers, Randy Rogers Band, Marshall Tucker Band and Shane Smith & The Saints while building a reputation as a festival favorite.
Special activities start Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. Bruce Dierking will lead a historic walking tour celebrating 165 years of Marysville history. Participants will gather at the Historic Marshall County Courthouse, 1207 Broadway, before visiting several of the community’s most significant landmarks, including the courthouse, Koester House Museum, Lee Dam Center for Fine Art, Pony Express Barn and Historic Union Pacific Depot.
Along the way, Dierking will share stories, memories and historical insights about the community. The approximately two-hour tour covers flat terrain and is limited to the first 30 participants. A $10 donation per person will be shared among Marysville museums.
At 10 a.m., visitors will have several options throughout downtown.
Megin Jacques of K-State Extension will present “Thriller, Filler, Spiller: Care and Design Tips for Summer Planters” at the Koester House Gardens. The session will focus on designing attractive summer containers using upright focal plants, full mid-level plants and trailing varieties. Participants will receive practical tips for creating and maintaining colorful planters throughout the summer season.
The Big Blue River Days Downtown Poker Run also begins at 10 a.m. Participants can pick up a Poker Run sheet at Reflections Hallmark, 901 Broadway, then visit participating downtown businesses to draw cards and build a poker hand. The best poker hand, worst poker hand and a lucky draw winner will receive OneMarysville Money prizes. Organizers say the event is designed to encourage visitors to explore downtown businesses while enjoying the festival.
The Historic Union Pacific Depot will host its Model Train Show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Frankfort Sub-Division Model Train Show will fill the depot with layouts featuring miniature towns, depots, bridges and trains built to National Model Railroad Association standards. Visitors will also have the opportunity to view the depot’s newest exhibits.
The Lee Dam Center for Fine Art will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will feature a special exhibit showcasing the work of late northeast Kansas artist Joe Oswalt. Known throughout the region as a painter, sculptor and restoration artist, Oswalt captured rural landscapes, small-town scenes and local personalities through his work. The exhibit includes pieces on loan from area residents, friends and the Onaga Historical Museum.
Also at 10 a.m., TKB Diner, 814 Broadway. will host a make-and-take wreath project led by Megan Esslinger and Vallery Prell. Participants can create KU, K-State, Chiefs or welcome-sign wreaths. The cost is $20, and no preregistration is required.
The Kids’ Zone opens at 10 a.m. and continues through 3 p.m., providing activities for younger visitors throughout the day.
At 11 a.m., Big Blue BBQ visitors will have an opportunity to decide who has the best barbecue sauce in town with the People’s Choice Sauce Contest. Tasting wristbands are $12 and include a tasting flight of five different barbecue sauces, pulled pork, a bun and chips. Participants will sample each sauce and vote for their favorite.
“There are no judges and no experts,” said sauce contest organizer, Ben Throm. “The people decide.”
Winners will be announced during the Big Blue BBQ Awards Ceremony at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Helvering Center. Wristbands are limited and available while supplies last. Tickets may be purchased online at onemarysville.com or at the OneMarysville office, 617 Broadway.
History enthusiasts can continue their day at 11 a.m. when Indian Creek Historical Fashions presents “Women Soldiers of the Civil War” at the Koester House Museum and Gardens. The program explores the remarkable stories of women who disguised themselves as soldiers, served as spies and challenged traditional expectations during the Civil War.
From noon to 2 p.m., Indian Creek Historical Fashions will host 19th-century children’s games in the Koester House Gardens. Families can experience activities popular during the 1800s, including croquet, hoop-and-stick games and blind man’s bluff.
As the afternoon shifts into evening, live music takes center stage.
At 4 p.m., local favorite Bryton Stoll will perform. Stoll describes his musical influences as a blend of country, classic rock and the Jimmy Buffett songs he grew up hearing around family campfires. Stoll is a native of Marysville.
At 6:30 p.m., The Yachties bring a mix of yacht rock favorites and disco classics to the Big Blue River Days stage. Formed by veteran musicians from several successful regional bands, the group has become known for recreating the layered harmonies and polished sound of artists such as Steely Dan while moving into dance-floor favorites from the disco era.
At 8 p.m., participants can take part in the Dizzy Dash Relays, Beer Mile and Youth Fun Run.
The weekend concludes with The M80s at 8:30 p.m. The band has earned a reputation throughout the Midwest for high-energy performances featuring some of the biggest dance hits of the 1980s, providing a fitting finale to Big Blue River Days.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy the KCBS-sanctioned Big Blue BBQ, the AutoFest Car Show, food vendors, the Beer Bin and The Nutty Pour. Together, the events create two days of activity designed to keep Marysville busy from morning until late evening.
For additional information, schedules and registration details, contact OneMarysville at 785-562-3101 or visit onemarysville.com.
