Marysville, California, is looking to bounce back from a tough year marked by major fire and traffic issues.
A new proposal for a summer country music festival is offering hope that the small town could transform into the “Nashville of the West.”
The city council is considering a proposal for the festival, which could help revitalize the local economy after the Hotel Marysville fire.
The fire shut down streets and Highway 70 for six months before the hotel was finally demolished, according to KCRA. The festival could be just what the town needs to speed up recovery.
Doug Zwolski, owner of The Candy Box, believes the event could give the town a much-needed boost.
“Having an event like the country festival here on these streets would be great because it highlights Marysville even more,” Zwolski told the outlet. “I just want this small town to be big again.”
Zwolski has seen neighboring businesses shut down permanently and feels that the festival could help bring them back to life. Dom Belza, a former city council member now running for an assembly seat, agrees.
“We’re starting to recover from the fire, and hopefully we have brighter days ahead. We need some economic boosts here,” he said.
The proposed festival, called “Nashville West,” would feature two music stages on D Street, inspired by Nashville’s “Music Row.”
Plans also include transforming empty storefronts into songwriter cafes. Organizers hope the event will become an annual tradition, attracting visitors and boosting local business.
Residents are optimistic about the idea. Daniel Tarkhanov believes the festival could strengthen the town’s sense of community.
“Country music brings love and community back into a dead town,” he said. Nicole Hyde, a downtown resident, added, “I think it would bring a lot of people to the area. We’re big on country music, so I think it’d be great.”
Cole Williams told CBS News that the festival could help draw younger crowds and revive the economy.
“We could use spaces and places that attract younger people and help grow local business,” Williams said. Kary Hauck, the event coordinator, hopes to secure popular country artists to appeal to younger audiences.
“If it turns out to be a success, maybe there could be more festivals like it in the future,” Williams added.
The festival would be free to attend and funded by sponsors and a $165,000 city donation. While a date hasn’t been set yet, organizers hope to launch the event in August. The city council will review the proposal in a March meeting.
A Look at Marysville Today
Marysville, with a population of around 12,000, retains much of its 19th-century charm. Situated at the confluence of the Feather and Yuba rivers, 40 minutes north of Sacramento, the town has preserved its historic character.
The Silver Dollar Saloon, known for its hearty burgers and aged Angus ribeye, sits in a former Gold Rush commercial hub.
Nearby, the Mary Aaron Museum, housed in an 1855 Gothic Revival mansion, showcases local history through vintage photos and artifacts.
The Candy Box has been a local favorite since 1954, known for its chocolate turtles. Marysville also has a rich Chinese American heritage, once home to the nation’s second-largest Chinatown.
The Chinese American Museum of Northern California, housed in an 1858 building, preserves this legacy.
The Bok Kai Temple, dating back to 1880, is one of America’s oldest Taoist temples. Its annual Bok Kai Festival features lion dancers and a 175-foot-long golden dragon.
Other local landmarks include the Maritime History Museum and the Historic Forbes House, Marysville’s oldest surviving structure.
Marysville is also known for its sports culture. The Marysville Raceway hosts sprint car and hobby stock races, while the Marysville Stampede rodeo has been a local tradition since 1933.
The Yuba Sutter Gold Sox baseball team plays at Colusa Casino Stadium, where fans cheer alongside the team’s gecko mascot, Mr. G.
Across from the stadium, Ellis Lake offers a peaceful spot for walks and relaxation. The nearby Yuba Goldfields Trail explores the region’s Gold Rush and Native American history.
West Coast Falconry, just outside town, provides visitors with the unique experience of handling owls and hawks.
A Town with Deep Roots
Marysville’s history dates back to 1844 when Theodore Cordua, a German immigrant, established a trading post named New Mecklenburg.
After gold was discovered in 1848, Charles Covillaud purchased half of Cordua’s ranch. He married Mary Murphy, a Donner Party survivor, and named the growing town after her.
Marysville became a key stop for riverboats carrying gold seekers from Sacramento and San Francisco.
It was officially founded on January 18, 1850, before California became a state. The city was incorporated on February 5, 1851, becoming the eighth city in the state.
Marysville’s population skyrocketed during the Gold Rush, reaching 10,000 by 1853. The town became a major commercial hub, shipping over $10 million in gold to the San Francisco Mint by 1857.
Marysville also established the first municipal library and cemetery west of the Mississippi River.
Flooding was a constant threat due to the town’s location at the meeting of two rivers. After the devastating 1875 flood, a levee system was built, securing the town’s future as a commercial center. However, the levees also limited Marysville’s ability to expand.
Despite these challenges, Marysville retained its role as a key port and commercial center until the early 20th century. Over time, improved infrastructure in other areas of the valley reduced the town’s influence.
However, Marysville has managed to preserve its historical charm and remains proud of its deep roots.
Now, with the proposed country music festival, Marysville hopes to reclaim some of its former glory and bring new life to its historic streets.
Disclaimer- Our team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and maintain its credibility. We are committed to providing honest and reliable content for our readers.