NORTH POWDER, OREGON: Wild huckleberries are a family tradition and favorite fruit for many residents of Northeastern Oregon. The flavor-filled purple berry grows on low bushes throughout the Elkhorn and Wallowa Mountain ranges that cover much of this scenic corner of the state. Gathering and preserving the berries has been a summer activity since long before pioneers began settling in the valleys in the mid-nineteenth century. That is why North Powder residents decided to honor the fruit with an annual festival the last Saturday in July.
This year's event takes place July 31, with lots of family fun, good food, and entertainment in the works. The day gets under way with the Powder Valley All-School Reunion Breakfast on the school yard, from 7 to 10:30 a.m. Activity then moves to the center of town where food and craft vendors open at 10 a.m. and the popular parade begins at 11; this year's theme is "Huckleberry Hoedown." The rest of the day is filled with a wide range of entertainment and opportunities to visit with old friends and make some new. From a unique underwater puppet show to Celtic games to racing riding lawn mowers to the Aramark Huckleberry Dessert Contest and Silent Auction to the Firemen's Steak Barbecue, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the summer day. An addition to the fun this year is the attempt to create a 100' long huckleberry sundae for all to share. After the open mike entertainment ends and things begin to wind down, everyone is invited to throw a blanket on the grass or set up a lawn chair and enjoy Huckleberry Hound cartoons and a family rated movie, projected on the side of a historic downtown building. See the full schedule below and contact Janet, visitlg@eoni.com or 800.848.9969 for additional information or how to get involved.
SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES
7 to 10:30 PVHS All-School Reunion Breakfast - Everyone is welcome!
10 a.m. Craft & Food vendors open & Wolf Creek Grange activities begin
11 "Huckleberry Hoedown " Festival Parade
noon to 6 Puppet Show and Entertainment at the park gazebo
12:30 Highland Games Demonstration & Kids-of-all-ages games begin
12:30 Aramark Huckleberry Dessert Contest entry check-in
1 p.m. Aramark Huckleberry Dessert Contest Judging begins
2 p.m. Lawn mower safety check and lawn mower “Show & Shine”
2 p.m. Aramark Huckleberry Desert Contest Awards & silent auction
2:30 Lawn mower races on Second Street
3 p.m. Giant Huckleberry Sundae - Dive In!
5 to 7 p.m. Firemen’s Steaks & Burgers BBQ
6 to 7 p.m. Open mike music
8:30 p.m. Outdoor cartoons and movie at dusk
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