Acrobatic Lion Dancers perform near the judges table during the annual Bok Kai parade on March 1 in Marysville. Photo by Chris Pedigo

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - The 145th Bok Kai festival was an explosive success in Marysville this past weekend starting with the Bok Kai Hostess Reception dinner on Feb. 28 at Peach Tree Golf and Country Club. This was the first time in several years that the Marysville Chinese Community held an official Bok Kai Hostess dinner, an event that included many monetary gifts and certificates presented to 16-year-old Isabella Wong - this year's Bok Kai hostess.

“I had a lot of fun,” said Wong, “I had no idea how much of an honor this would be.”

The Bok Kai Parade was held the following morning on March 1 on a clear crisp day full of sunshine. Nearly 50 entries caravanned through the historic streets of downtown Marysville, followed by the sound of gongs, drumbeats and firecrackers.

“I personally love the marching bands,” said Gary Jensen, one of the Bok Kai parade announcers hosted by 93Q Radio.

Speaking of bands, the Marysville Charter Academy for the Arts placed first in the category of High School band.

Next was Edgewater Elementary, which took first in the category of K-5 bands.

Isabella Wong, the 2025 Bok Kai hostess, waves to the crowd during the annual Bok Kai parade on March 1 in downtown Marysville. Photo by Chris Pedigo

The Bing Ong Award went to the Andros Karperos School band and the Katie Lim Youth Award to Anna McKenney Band. Yuba County Office of Education won Best of Parade and Ellyson Chiropractic took Best of Parade Theme, which was Year of the Snake. And finally, the Judges Award went to 4-H.

After the parade, a crew of skilled Chinese Lion Dancers traveled through town to bless the storefronts of participating businesses. These acrobatic spectacles involved plenty of firecrackers and the tossing of sacrificial lettuce or cabbage. Visiting spectators documented the shenanigans on their way to visit the rarely open Bok Kai temple for a glimpse into traditional Taoist culture.

“I never even knew this was here or how much history Marysville had,” said Carmichael resident Ian Kearney as he perused the artifacts of the Bok Kai Museum.

Meanwhile, local bands played outside the Woodbutcher and music students showcased their progress at the Institute of Rock.

“It's always a great time to get the kids up on stage doing what they love,” said Stevie Bogan, the Institute of Rock’s owner.

Bok Kai, the Chinese Water Dragon, is paraded through the historic streets of Marysville on March 1 during the annual Bok Kai festival.

Bogan was also celebrating his own accomplishments with the release of “Banter with Bear”, a new podcast series focused on professional musicians and many of Bogan’s interesting acquaintances.

At 9 p.m., Bogan took the stage with his Irish rock band ONOFF to close the day out after a dazzling fireworks show by Devastating PYRO.

Sunday, March 2, was a tad cooler and wetter but the Bok Kai festival trudged on. The streets were filled with the smell of smoke and barbecue as hot rod engines competed against the sound of distant firecrackers. At the corner of First and C streets, a mix of martial artists and cultural dancers entertained the crowds while judges sampled an assortment of delectable ribs.

There were six official entries for the Bok Kai rib cookoff this year and the winners were as follows: “Nice Racks” in first place, Jon Otto in second place and JTK for people's choice.