At OneMarysville, we know that strong communities are full of people who care. Each week, we feature a resident who has given their time and talents to make Marysville the best community in Kansas.
Find out why we’re nuts about Kate Martinez!
For this year’s Mother’s Day Market, Kate organized 135 vendors in Marysville City Park. It takes five months of communication, follow-up, problem-solving and attention to detail to keep a project like this moving.
She answered questions, kept track of details and made sure vendors had the information they needed.
That kind of work is not new for Kate. During her two years as Chamber & Main Street director, she worked alongside the committees behind many of Marysville’s major events, including the annual banquet, Mother’s Day Market, Big Blue River Days, the Pony Express 120 Gravel Dash, Black Squirrel Night, Small Business Saturday and the Christmas opening including Santa’s parade.
She also served on the economic development, finance and retail committees.
Kate continues to vounteer. She has served on the Squirrels Just Wanna Have Fun committee for five years and also gave her time to help with marketing for the Marysville Community Foundation.
Kate is steady and organized. Marysville has benefited from that, especially with this year’s Mother’s Day Market.
Let’s hear from Kate about why she gives back to Marysville:
How long have you lived in Marysville? What is your favorite thing about living here?
I’ve lived in Marysville for the majority of my life. (Class of 2017, go Bulldogs!) I’ve always had a love for all the events we hold throughout the year. Something is always happening, or in the planning process. I just think that is so unique for our town.
Tell us about one of your favorite ways to volunteer.
I love being on the planning committee for events. Before getting involved, I didn’t realize how much goes on behind the scenes and how many wonderful volunteers our community and county have. It has been an honor to be able to participate and help be a part of that experience for others.
What would you tell someone who wants to get more involved as a volunteer?
Just do it. It’s a great way to connect with people you already know, know of, or have never met that live in the same town as you. I promise if you think you know everyone, you don’t!
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about Marysville?
I wish more people knew about how much our economic development committee and the City of Marysville have really cleaned up our city, parks and downtown in the last 10 years. Hats off to our city workers, the volunteers and donors that have made that possible. Finishing the 7th street corridor will also be a nice addition.
Which of Marysville’s Black Squirrels on Parade is your favorite?
I have two favorites:
Hopper in front of Sonic is super simple but very on theme. (It’s probably also because I like their cherry limeades!)
I also love Homer in front of the district office. My class helped purchase the squirrel, so it has a special place in my heart!
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please fill out our volunteer form and we will match you with a need in our community!
