By Wayne Kruse
Squirrels Just Wanna Have Fun returns Friday, Aug. 14, with a Camp Squirrel theme and a full evening planned for women to shop, spend time with friends and enjoy activities throughout downtown Marysville.
Now in its 10th year, OneMarysville’s annual ladies’ night out brings together local businesses, food and drink vendors, entertainment and camp-inspired activities for an evening centered on shopping local and having fun together.
Registration will take place from 4 to 6:30 p.m. in the Koester House Gardens before participants head downtown to explore participating businesses from 4 to 8:30 p.m. Throughout the evening, each stop will offer its own Camp Squirrel experience. Some businesses will serve signature drinks, snacks or s’mores. Others have planned games, scavenger hunts, friendship bracelet making, flower identification, pottery painting, campfire storytelling, permanent jewelry, photo opportunities, prize drawings and shopping specials.
Participating businesses include Backroads Bicycle, Farmer and Florist, Garden of Eden, HealthFirst Pharmacy, IdntiTeez, Marysville Mercantile, Minnie’s Kitchen, Reflections Hallmark, Simple Pleasures & Treasures, South Hill Pottery, TKB Diner and Tracie’s Grooming Service. Citizens State Bank, First Commerce Bank, Sunflower Community Credit Union and Blue Valley Insurance Agencies also will be part of the evening with Camp Squirrel-themed activities and giveaways.
The evening will continue in the downtown green space across from the OneMarysville office, 617 Broadway. Tents, picnic tables and camping-themed decorations will create a place for participants to gather and enjoy entertainment and activities together. Food trucks and drink trucks will be on site with food and beverages available for purchase.
Participants should save receipts from purchases made during the event. Each receipt turned in will become one entry in the prize drawing. At 9 p.m., five baskets, each valued at least $100, will be given away.
“Squirrels Just Wanna Have Fun has become much more than a shopping event,” said Ashley Kracht, event organizer. “It is a chance to grab a group of friends, spend an evening together and enjoy everything our downtown businesses have planned. Every business puts its own personality into the event, and the Camp Squirrel theme gives us a fun way to bring everyone together at the end of the night.”
Event-only tickets are $10 and will be available the night of the event. A $25 ticket includes admission and the official 2026 Camp Squirrel T-shirt. The deadline to order the T-shirt package is Monday, Aug. 3.
Tickets are available at OneMarysville.com or at the OneMarysville office, 617 Broadway. For more information, call 785-562-3101.
