Category: Blog

Mother’s Day Market Scheduled For This Saturday And Sunday

MARYSVILLE, Kansas — The 46th annual Mother’s Day Market is scheduled for Saturday, May 7, and Sunday, May 8, at Marysville City Park in Marysville, Kansas.

More than 75 vendors are expected to be on hand for the market, which will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Vendors will include antiques, refurbished furniture, boutique clothing, hand-crafted home decor, home-made baked goods, flowers and garden plants and more. A variety of food vendors also will be participating.

Activities actually will begin with yoga at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday morning at the tennis courts on the northeast corner of the park. Marysville Health & Fitness will present the free “Mamaste” Mom & Me yoga class. Commemorative t-shirts are available with a $20 donation. Pre-registration is required at 785-562-2424.

At 11 a.m. on Saturday, the String Beans of Lincoln, Nebraska, will perform a family-friendly music set. The band has been around since 2004 and plays songs in various genres about things kids love: animals, cartoons, food, science, sports, and more.

The annual smoked chicken dinner will be served on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The cost is $15 and includes a baked potato, roll and slaw. Proceeds from the dinner and the market benefit the Koester House Museum & Gardens.

The weekend also includes the Mother’s Day Art Show at the Marysville Junior High School gym from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

For more information on the weekend, check out Facebook.com/mothersdaymarket. Those with questions can also call the Marysville Chamber & Main Street office at 785-562-3101.

Museum Day Activities Announced For Saturday, April 2

Black squirrels, Pony Express horses and the Easter Bunny will be part of Museum Day on Saturday, April 2, as participating museums in Marshall County offer free admission and several activities.

Participating museums include the Marshall County Historic Courthouse, Historic Union Pacific Depot, Koester House Museum & Gardens, and Pony Express Barn & Museum — all in Marysville — as well as the Blue Rapids Museum.

Marysville’s Black Squirrel Committee will sponsor the showing of a free family movie at 1 p.m. at the Astro 3 Theatre, 820 Center St. The movie is part of the year-long activities marking the 50th anniversary of Marysville becoming the Black Squirrel City. In 1972, Marysville’s City Council passed an ordinance to protect and celebrate its black squirrel population.

The Pony Express Barn & Museum also is presenting a free movie in the afternoon at Astro 3. The 1925 silent film, The Pony Express, will be shown following a short introduction at 1:30 p.m. Popcorn and refreshments will be available for a donation to the new Friends of the Pony Express Barn & Museum organization.

In addition, members of the Pony Express Association will be on hand at the barn, located at 106 S. 8th St., from 10 a.m. to noon with their horses to demonstrate mochila exchanges and talk about Pony Express history and the annual re-rides.

The museum will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Marshall County Historic Courthouse, 1207 Broadway, will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and hosting a scavenger hunt/museum bingo throughout the building. Families will be able to find answers to questions at various locations in the courthouse. The prize will be a punch card to the Marysville Aquatic Center for family and friends to enjoy a day at the pool. If multiple entries have the most correct answers, a random drawing will determine the winning entry.

The courthouse also will be showcasing a change to the wedding dress display and opening a new exhibit on local restaurants. Dresses and suits that have not been on display recently will be shown in the wedding attire exhibit. Eateries, Beaneries and Blue-Plate Specials is the name of the new exhibit that will include photos, artifacts and stories from Marshall County restaurants over the years.

The Historic Union Pacific Depot, 400 Hedrix St., will be hosting photos with the Easter bunny from 2 to 4 p.m. Those who attend also can make a frame for the photo as a craft project and receive an Easter treat.

The depot’s BrrBBQ, Brrr Beer, Brrr Bingo event will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. that evening. Bingo and beer tickets will be sold, and food will be available for a free-will offering. There will be more than 50 bingo prizes to choose from, including $25 gift cards and $25 gas cards.

The Koester House Museum & Gardens, 919 Broadway, will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with an open house from noon to 3 p.m. featuring long-time former Koester House Museum curator John Howard. Chocolate cake made from Hyacinth Koester’s recipe will be served, and Howard will demonstrate how the Magic Lantern works to show slides.

The Blue Rapids Museum, 36 Public Square in Blue Rapids, will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with various stations set up for demonstrations and activities. Those stations include activities for kids such as sewing, genealogy, dulcimer lessons and more. Stations also are expected to include cross stitch and embroidery, marbles, a checker contest, biscuit-making, and some surprises.

For more information, go to www.VisitMarysvilleKS.org.

Mother’s Day Market Takes Place May 7-8 At City Park

Join us for the 46th annual Mother’s Day Market, at Marysville City Park.

Enjoy more than 100 vendors featuring homemade and homegrown goods, antiques, novelties, delicious food, live music, and much more. The Market runs Saturday (May 7) from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday (May 8) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Proceeds from the Mother’s Day Market benefit the Koester House Museum & Gardens in Downtown Marysville. For more about the Koester House, click here.

Museum Day Set For Saturday, April 2

Museums throughout Marysville and Marshall County will offer special activities in addition to free admission to celebrate the opening of the season.

The annual museum day is Saturday, April 2, 2022.

The weekend marks the point in the schedule where the Koester House Museum is open for the season and when the Pony Express Barn & Museum alters its schedule from being open weekends only to seven days per week.

Those two museums will join the Marshall County Historic Courthouse and the Historic Union Pacific Depot as well as others in the county in offering activities that day.

The Pony Express Barn & Museum is sponsoring the free showing of a silent movie, The Pony Express (1925), at Astro 3 theater at 1:30 p.m.

More details and information about the day’s events will be made available soon.

Enjoy these puzzles highlighting some of Marysville’s history and exciting attractions. Complete them all and then plan your trip to visit this summer!

 

Koester House Coloring Pages
Koester House Coloring Pages
Black Squirrels Crossword Puzzle
Black Squirrels Crossword Puzzle
Black Squirrels Word Search
Black Squirrels Word Search
Marysville Word Search
Marysville Word Search
Blue River Rail Trail Puzzle
Blue River Rail Trail Puzzle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check back for more puzzles, coloring pages and activities from The Black Squirrel City!

Events, Closures, and What You Can Do in Marysville

Updated APRIL 14, 2020 at 8:00 am

Marysville Convention & Tourism is actively monitoring developments surrounding COVID-19 (Coronavirus) from both Marshall County and the City of Marysville. The health and safety of our visitors and residents is our highest priority and this page will be updated regularly to provide you the latest information about events, closures, postponements and activities that meet our social distancing requirements.

Cancelations and CLOSURES

Several area events and activities are being canceled or rescheduled due to COVID-19. In addition, many area attractions are closed due to the virus. This page will be updated as often as possible. However, we encourage you to call ahead to confirm the status of an attraction or event prior to travel.

Events

  • The Marshall County Museum Day scheduled for Saturday, April 4th has been canceled, with the possibility of reschedule this summer.
  • The Marysville Farmer’s Market vendor meeting is postponed.
  • The St. Gregory’s Catholic Church Fish Frys are canceled until further notice.
  • The Marysville Sons of the American Legion chicken dinner set for April 5 has been canceled.
  • The Marysville Area Community Theatre spring play will not be performed in April. A May date is being considered.
  • The NEK Junkin Trail Shop Hop for Friday and Saturday in Northeast Kansas is canceled.
  • The April & May art exhibitions at the Lee Dam Center for Fine Art have been canceled.
  • The April Lecture Series at the Pony Express Museum has been canceled.
  • The Gravel Dash 101 event on April 4th has been postponed. A new date this fall is being considered.
  • The Mother’s Day Market set for May 9-10 has been canceled.
  • The Marysville High School Alumni Association Weekend set for May 23-24 has been canceled.
  • The Marysville AutoFest Car Show set for June 6 has been canceled.
  • The Boss Nationals event set for August 28-30 has been canceled.
  • The Pony Express 120 Gravel Dash has been moved from September 12 to October 17.

Attractions

RESTAURANTS & RETAILERS

Restaurants

Many area restaurants remain open during this time, offering curbside pickup and/or delivery. We encourage you to call ahead as details change quickly.

  • Wagon Wheel Cafe – carryout, curbside pickup and free delivery within City limits. Open 11am-8pm.  Call 785-562-3784
  • Empty Cup Coffee Bar & Bistro – curbside pickup and delivery. Open Monday-Friday 7am-5pm, Saturday 10am-2pm. Call 785-562-3354
  • El Ranchero – drive through or carryout, free delivery within City limits. Open 11am-2pm & 4:30pm-8pm.  Call 785-562-5123
  • Landoll Lanes – closed for maintenance until further notice.
  • Bite Me Barbecue – carry out or free delivery.  Open Tuesday-Thursday 11am-7pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-8pm. Call 785-619-6110
  • Sandy’s Pantry – carry out, curbside pickup and local delivery. Open Monday-Friday 11am-1pm.  Call 785-562-2322
  • Marysville Country Club – carry out and curbside delivery.  Call 785-562-2296
  • CJ Express West – carry out & free delivery for any items, including pizza, chicken & grocery items (excluding tobacco, alcohol & gas). Call 785-562-1177
  • Little Hap’s Bar & Grill (Home City) – carryout available. Hours 11am-2pm and 4:30pm-8pm Monday through Saturday. Call 785-799-9920
  • Tryon’s Pour House (Blue Rapids) – carryout only. Open Wednesday-Saturday 5pm-9pm. Call 785-363-7433
  • East Side Cafe (Blue Rapids) – carryout or curbside pickup. Open 11am-8pm.  Call 785-562-7008.
  • Highway 9 Pizza (Frankfort) – carryout available. Open Every day 11am–1pm & 4pm-8pm. Call 785-292-6100
  • Table Six (Beattie) – carryout or curbside.  Open 11am-1pm.  Pay over the phone available. Call 785-353-2498.
  • Ace’s Bar & Grill (Axtell) – Tuesday-Thursday 11am-1:30pm & 5pm-9pm, Friday 11am-1:30pm & 5pm-12am, Saturday 5pm-12am. Call 785-736-2218
  • My Sister’s Kitchen (Waterville) – Curbside pickup & carryout. Open Thursdays 7am-8pm, Fridays-Saturday 7am-2pm, Sundays 8am-2pm. Call 785-713-9090

Retailers

Many area retailers offer curbside pickup and/or delivery. We encourage you to call ahead as details change quickly.

 

social distancing activities

Annual Museum Day Expands to County

Residents and visitors to enjoy free admission to eight area museums

MARYSVILLE, KAN:  Marysville Convention & Tourism, the Marysville Museum Alliance and the Marshall County Development Corporation invite residents and visitors to explore local museums on Saturday, April 6, 2019.

For the past two years, residents have enjoyed a free day at Marysville area museums to kickoff the tourism season. This year, the event has expanded to include five other museums and historic attractions within the County.  The special event, deemed Marshall County Museum Day, signifies the opening of museum season, which runs from April to October.  

From 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., visitors can enjoy free admission to the following museums/attractions throughout Marshall County: 

  • Pony Express Museum, Marysville
  • Marshall County Historic Courthouse, Marysville
  • Koester House Museum & Gardens, Marysville
  • Historic Union Pacific Depot, Marysville
  • Blue Rapids Museum, Blue Rapids
  • Depot Museum, Waterville
  • Waterville Caboose, Waterville
  • Transue Brothers Blacksmith Museum, Summerfield

“We are excited to open this up and tell the story of our county’s history from the trails and the railroad to pioneer life and the Flint Hills landscape and so much more,” said Ann Walter, member of Marshall County Development Corporation. “There will be blacksmith demonstrations in Summerfield, ice age exhibits and military displays in Blue Rapids, and railroad exhibits in Waterville.”  

Visitors can take self-guided tours, view the exhibits and artifacts, and immerse themselves in the history of Marshall County and rural America from the 1700s to 1900s.

 “There is something for everyone to see,” said Jan DeGroot, administrator at the Pony Express Museum and member of the Marysville Museum Alliance.  “We have exhibits that appeal to those with a passion for history, arts, agriculture and more!  Bring your families and friends for a day of exploring the past!”  

In addition to seasonal hours, many of the museums are open by appointment only, so Museum Day offers both locals and visitors a chance to explore hard-to-reach locations. 

 “I often hear locals say they’ve always wanted to go inside our museums, so here is their chance,” said Michelle Whitesell, Director of Marysville Convention & Tourism. “People are always pleasantly surprised at what they find inside those doors.  They’ll find history, education and fun all wrapped into one. From interactive activities for kids, larger than life artifacts to the most interesting details of our history, there is something for all ages!” 

Plan a Night to See the Lights This Christmas

Gather your family, make some hot cocoa and hop in the car for a night on the town. Plan a night to see the lights in the annual Light Up Marysville Christmas Lighting Contest.

“It’s the perfect Christmas tradition,” said Michelle Whitesell, Director of Marysville Convention & Tourism.

Fifty-four homes and businesses throughout Marysville are signed up for the fourth annual contest, which features the competition’s biggest prizes to date. More than $575 in prizes will be awarded to the best decorated spots in Marysville. The competition has four categories: People’s Choice, Clark Griswold, Reason for the Season and Best Business.

“We are extremely pleased with the turnout,” said Whitesell. “We have some homes that have participated in the past, as well as some new homes and businesses who decided to join in on the fun!”

To vote in the lighting contest, pick up a map of participating locations. Maps are available at area convenience stores, the Marysville Advocate, the Marysville Public Library and the Chamber of Commerce. Maps will also be available on the Visit Marysville Facebook page and their website at visitmarysvilleks.org.

Voting began December 1 and ends December 25. Ballots may be turned in to the drop boxes at City Hall or the Marysville Public Library.

“We’ve extended the contest through Christmas Day so families have a chance to go see the lights over the holiday,” Whitesell said. “We also have a scavenger hunt for groups that want to add another level of fun to the lighting tour.”

The committee has once again partnered with the Wagon Wheel Café, 703 Broadway, for the contest. People who pick up a map at the Wagon Wheel will receive a free to-go cup of coffee or hot chocolate.

For more information, contact Marysville Convention & Tourism at (785) 619-6050 or [email protected].

Visit Our Museums This Winter

November is here and Museum Season has officially come to a close in Marysville. But don’t worry, you can still experience two of our museums during the winter season!

  • The Marshall County Historical Society Courthouse is open from 1-4 pm Monday through Friday with 21 rooms to explore.  Experience the history of Marshall County and rural America in the 1800s and 1900s at this red brick Romanesque courthouse. Current exhibits highlight rural schools, military, healthcare, the press, weddings and more.
  • The Koester House Museum and Gardens is open by appointment only. Come see their beautifully-restored interior of the Museum. Built in 1876, the Charles Koester House boasts original furnishings and 13 beautiful white statues in the gardens. In addition, Laura Ingalls Wilder described the lions and dogs guarding the gates in her journal. Call (785) 562-2417 to schedule a tour.
  • The Pony Express Museum is currently closed for restoration throughout the winter season. The facility consists of the original stable and an annex added in 1991, which matches its architectural style. The museum’s exhibits have been expanded to include trails and railroads, emphasizing Marysville’s wider historic importance as a transportation hub. The museum is currently undergoing a restoration as the result of a grant from the National Parks Service, and will re-open in the spring. But we promise, it will be worth the wait!

For more information on our museums or other things to do in Marysville this winter, visit our ‘Attractions‘ page. To request a visitors guide, call (785) 619-6050.

Marysville to Host Boss Nationals

Cars from 27 states will cruise into Downtown Marysville Sept. 7-9

Downtown Marysville is the place to be September 7-9, 2018, for Boss Nationals, a national gathering of Boss-powered cars from across the country. Activities include a car show, cruise night, swap meet, live music, beer garden, and more.

“This is set to be the largest gathering of Boss-powered cars ever,” said Greg Boss, one of the event organizers. “We have nearly 160 cars registered from 27 states and more registrations roll in every day. We even have cars coming from Canada and New Zealand. We’re going to have some of the most beautiful cars in the country right here in Marysville.”

The event begins downtown on Friday at 4:00 pm with registration, cruise night, and beer garden, followed by live music by LandRush, a rock and blues cover band from Kansas City, at 7:00 pm.

On Saturday, registration is from 8:00 am to 11:00 am, with judging beginning at 10:00 am. Throughout the day, there will be a swap meet, food trucks, and beer garden, with the car show ending at 5:00 pm, followed by a banquet at 7:00 pm at Landoll Lanes Conference Center. Sunday will include breakfast and an awards ceremony at the Wagon Wheel Cafe.

All Mustangs and Cougars powered by a Boss 302, Boss 429 or Boss 351 engine from the factory are encouraged to attend. Additionally, the event will honor all SOHC 427 powered Ford Cars. The car show will include multiple judged classes such as stock, modified, restored, survivor, and more.

The public is encouraged to visit Downtown Marysville and view this large display of classic cars. The Boss Mustang was only produced from 1969-1971 and later on re-introduced in 2012-2013. There were only a limited number of these cars produced, so it is extremely rare so many will be gathered in one place anywhere in the world, let alone a small town like Marysville. Many of these cars have historical significance, including the Tasca Super Boss, David Pearson’s NASCAR, and Dyno Don Nicholson’s Cougar drag car.

While national car events are typically held in much larger cities, the small town of Marysville is host to this particular event because of a unique tie to the Boss-powered community. In a community of just 3,200, there is one Boss 429, five Boss 351s and four Boss 302s. In addition, the local Ford dealership is appropriately named Boss Motors, owned by two generations of the Boss family and celebrating 80 years in 2018.

“With the Boss name from right here in Marysville, we are so excited to host this national Boss event right in our own backyard,” said Greg Boss.

For more information on the event or to register your car, visit www.bossnationals.com or email [email protected].