MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) – The 74th Annual Marysville Christmas Parade is set to take place 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, in historic downtown Marysville. This year’s theme, “Blue Christmas,” has inspired many parade entries including creative nods to Elvis and Lilo & Stitch.

On Tuesday, the City of Marysville announced that the 2025 Grand Marshal will be the Yuba-Sutter Veteran’s Stand Down, a local nonprofit serving veterans across the region.

Marysville Christmas weekend events kick off on Friday, Dec. 5 at 5 p.m. with the opening of Candy Cane Lane until 9 p.m. Held between 3rd and 4th Streets on D Street, Candy Cane Lane is hosted by SoYouCan and features a vendor fair, meet and greet and photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, a character parade, flash mob and more! Attendees of Candy Cane Lane and the Marysville Christmas Tree Lighting are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy or blanket to brighten Christmas for families in need.

At 5:45 p.m., the Marysville Christmas Tree lighting will be conducted by Marysville Mayor Chris Branscum in partnership with Blue Zones.

On Saturday, Dec. 6, the Marysville Christmas Parade will kick off at 5 p.m. Following the parade, children may visit with Santa in the park at 3rd and D Streets near the Marysville Christmas Tree (weather permitting).

Street closures related to the parade will begin at 2 p.m., with streets expected to reopen at 8 p.m. Affected streets include C Street, D Street and 2nd through 8th Streets.

Parade lineup will be determined on Friday, Nov. 28. Check-in begins Saturday, Dec. 6 at 3 p.m. at 6th and D Streets in front of Welton Realty.

Parade registration deadline was Wednesday, Nov. 26. Late entries will be accepted with a $25 late fee. There is a $25 entry fee for nonprofits with an active 501(c)(3) and a $50 entry fee for businesses.

The parade application is available on the Marysville Christmas Parade Facebook page or in-person at 547 2nd Street, Yuba City. Completed applications may be dropped off at 547 2nd Street, Yuba City.

For additional information, contact Kary Hauck at Saphire Marketing & Sign Co. at (530)-763-5402 or email: [email protected].

About the Grand Marshal

Founded in 1999 by a small group of local veterans determined to support their brothers and sisters in need, the Yuba-Sutter Veteran’s Stand Down has grown into one of the region’s most respected veteran service organizations. What began as a modest four-hour informational session has evolved into a multi-day annual event that now serves thousands of veterans and their families.

Celebrating its 27th year of service, Stand Down offers a full range of essential resources each summer, including haircuts, dental care, vision and hearing screenings, DMV assistance, veteran benefits support, medical services, housing connections, job placement and more.

As attendance grew, the event quickly outgrew its early locations at Lion’s Grove and the Cotton Rosser Arena before moving to the Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds, where it has been hosted for the past four years. In 2010, the organization opened a year-round service office on D Street in Marysville, ensuring veterans have continuous access to support, advocacy and resources. Today, the Yuba-Sutter Veteran’s Stand Down is preparing for a significant new chapter: assuming stewardship of the Museum of the Forgotten Warrior, a transition expected to be finalized in early 2026.

Beyond its core mission, the organization has expanded its reach to the broader community. For several years, it has operated a no-questions-asked food distribution program, open to anyone in the region. Participants simply drive up, open their trunk, and receive food — no ID, no paperwork and no eligibility requirements. The program reflects Stand Down’s belief that no one in Yuba-Sutter should go hungry. Members of the Yuba-Sutter Veteran’s Stand Down will lead the 74th Annual Marysville Christmas Parade as the first-entry.