Black Squirrels on Parade is ready for its next round of five-foot-tall statues, giving businesses, organizations, families and friend groups a chance to add a new squirrel to Marysville’s growing collection of public art. The black squirrel is the City of Marysville’s official mascot.
The project began more than a decade ago with Marysville’s Convention and Tourism committee, now part of OneMarysville. During a discussion about advertising dollars, Rick Stoll, then a member of the committee, jokingly suggested the group buy a tall black squirrel statue and place it in City Park so visitors would take photos, share them online and help spread the word about Marysville. The room laughed, then realized it was a credible idea.
Planning began in spring 2015 with the hope of selling ten statues. Interest quickly surpassed that goal. Twenty-one statues were sold and installed, with the first group unveiled in October 2016.
The project began with students at Marysville High School. April Spicer, at the time Marysville High School’s art teacher, invited students to create prototype designs, and 17 submitted sculpture concepts. The design by Rachel Frese was chosen as the model. From there, the committee worked with Patrick Keough of America’s Fiberglass Animals in Seward, Nebraska, to turn the prototype into the five-foot-tall statue now seen across town.
“Just say the words ‘5-foot-tall black squirrel’ to anyone outside of Marysville and the expressions you get in return are priceless,” said Maureen Crist, who owns Sudsy the squirrel located at SuperWash. “The best part is that it’s always followed by a smile. The squirrels are fun and unique and I’m so grateful for the creative minds that brought them to town.”
After the first statues were installed, demand led to a second call that brought 13 more squirrels to the parade.
“We are amazed every week by their sustained popularity,” said Mandy Cook, chairperson for OneMarysville’s promotions committee. “There is always someone out taking a selfie or posing with a black squirrel statue.”
A third round followed in 2022, when the City of Marysville celebrated the 50th anniversary of being Black Squirrel City. The goal was to grow the parade to 50 squirrels. The community took it one step further, bringing the total to 51.
Organizers say the project has become more than a photo stop. It has grown into a point of pride and a recognizable identity for Marysville, with local merchandise and events building on the theme.
“I feel the squirrels have shot our town to stardom,” Cook said. “It’s nice to have something unique to attract locals as well as out-of-towners to take pictures with them, learn about them and celebrate them.”
Now, organizers are opening a new round of sponsorships, giving the community another chance to add squirrels to Black Squirrels on Parade. The new statues will be unveiled in October during Black Squirrel Fall Fest.
The cost to sponsor a statue is $2,750. The fee covers the statue, the artist fee and clear-coating.
The deadline to purchase a statue is Jan. 30, 2026. Full payment must be received by Feb. 20, 2026. Checks should be made payable to OneMarysville, the sponsoring organization. Groups or individuals may partner to cover the cost.
OneMarysville’s promotions committee will issue an all-call to artists and will help pair sponsors with an artist. Sponsors may suggest an artist. Designs will be submitted for review, and all designs must be approved by the promotions committee before production. Sponsors are responsible for installing the statue.
“It’s a fun way to put creativity out in the community and turn public art into a spotlight,” Cook added. “A squirrel can showcase a business, honor a family, highlight an organization or bring a creative idea to life.”
To sponsor a statue or learn more, contact Wayne Kruse at 785-562-3101 or wayne@onemarysville.com.
