OneMarysville
Photo Courtesy of OneMarysville
Black Squirrel Fall Fest returns to Broadway Saturday, October 18—the city’s annual salute to its mascot. Designated Black Squirrel City in 1972, Marysville marks the day from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. with afternoon attractions that build into an after-dark lineup.
All of the activities will take place on Broadway, between Sixth Street and Tenth Street.
The day starts from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. with Old-Fashioned Games and Big Wheels on Broadway. During this window, some games like Bingo, Balloon Pop, Ring Toss, Lollipop Pull and Beanbag Ladder Toss will come with prizes. The Candy Corn Guessing Contest runs at the same time, with $100 in Chamber Bucks for an exact guess and $50 for the person who comes closest. Other games include Pumpkin Smashing, Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe and Cornhole—each available during the 3–5 p.m. period.
Big Wheels on Broadway brings the heavy hitters to the 900 block—the Marysville Fire Department’s engines, the ambulance and other big-rig vehicles parked for an up-close look. It’s a chance to see the equipment that keeps Marysville running and meet the folks who use it every day.
At 8th Street and Broadway, the Footloose Dancers perform at 3 p.m., followed by the Platinum Dancers at 4 p.m. Bleachers will be onsite for additional seating.
One tradition has endured through every Black Squirrel celebration: the City of Marysville will serve coffee and donuts, beginning at 3 p.m., in front of Ott Electric, 810 Broadway.
The festival shifts gears at 5 p.m. with a Donut Eating Contest, held in front of United Bank & Trust, 823 Broadway. There will be a category for youth (thirteen and under) and adults.Prizes will be awarded to first and second in each category.
From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., the soundtrack kicks in at Pony Park with Better Than Roadkill, a six-piece cover band from Topeka featuring Amanda Fritts, singer; David Spritzer, drums; Laura Alexander, harmonica; Jeff Brahler, guitar; Mark Nebel, keyboard; and Rick Koveck, bass.
Together for three years, the group leans into dance-ready covers.The setlist skews upbeat, blending a little blues, a little country and a little rock and roll.
“I consider us pretty fun,” Fritts said with a laugh. “We have good banter between the six of us.”
The goal is simple: get people moving and make the night memorable.
“I hope people want to dance to our songs,” she said, adding that the best compliment is, “let’s bring these guys back.”
Above all, she hopes the crowd connects with the material: “I want people to relate to the songs we’re doing.”
While the band plays, Treats on Broadway runs from 5:45 p.m. to 7 p.m. Twenty local businesses and organizations will be along Broadway, from Seventh Street to Tenth Street, handing out treats.
The firepits will glow from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Pony Park. S’mores will be served.
The Costume Contest in front of United Bank & Trust takes center stage starting at 7 p.m., with prizes awarded for first, second and third place in divisions for ages 0–1 and each individual age from two through twelve, plus separate categories for teens and for groups.
The Marysville High School Bulldog Band, under the direction of Blake Nations, performs at 8 p.m., featuring selections from their halftime show.
At 8:15 p.m., fire performers take over Pony Park with a high-energy mix of fire dancing, juggling and spinning.
“They were here for SkyFest Marysville and were a huge hit, so they’re coming back,” said Mandy Cook, festival organizer. “The show is absolutely amazing and appeals to all ages.”
As night settles over Broadway, a Haunted House takes hold of the second and third floors in the 900 block of Broadway. The eerie upstairs experience will be open from 8 p.m. until 11 p.m. Entry is at 905½ Broadway. This new addition to Black Squirrel Fall Fest is geared toward teens and older; children under thirteen must be supervised by an adult.
The Broadway “boo crew” warns people to “enter at their own risk.”
Food and concessions are available starting at 3 p.m. and going into the evening. Food options include the Marysville Fire Department’s chili feed, It’s A Sweet Treat Day Bakery, King’s Cotton Candy, Mama Ging’s House of Lumpia, Off My Rocker and Zo’s Soul Food Mississippi Burning. The Marysville Cub Scouts will sell popcorn and meat sticks, and Trail Life USA will have a concession stand.
The annual celebration is sponsored by the City of Marysville and OneMarysville. More information is available at onemarysville.com or by calling 785-562-3101.
