Baker City Herald, fileMud volleyball is a traditional part of the North Powder Huckleberry Festival.

NORTH POWDER — A festival celebrating a tiny and tasty berry returns Saturday, July 31, to North Powder.

This year marks the 14th-annual Huckleberry Festival. The event originally began as Pioneer Days to celebrate the first pioneers to settle in the North Powder area, said organizer Lindsey Thompson.

“We try to make it a good fun time for everyone,” Thompson said.

Festivities begin early with breakfast at Powder Valley School from 7-10 a.m.

Next comes a fun run/walk starting at 8 a.m. Choose a distance that suits you: 1 mile, 5K or 10K. Registration opens at 7 a.m. at the new fire station, 710 E St. Entry for the 5K or 10K is $20 for adults, $10 for youth younger than 12. Entry for the 1-mile race is $10.

A car show will be set up along the main street starting at 10 a.m.

Vendors along several blocks will be selling food, art and crafts. The Grange Hall will also be open to serve food and huckleberry milkshakes.

Games for youth start at 10 a.m., and music in the park begins at 11 a.m. with the Blue Mountaineers.

The parade gets underway at 11:30 a.m. Entries are encouraged to register in advance, although it’s not necessary. To sign up, email Shiloe Weston at vendor.huckleberryfest@gmail.com.

At 1 p.m., the action moves to the mud volleyball tournament. For details or to sign up, send a message to Jeffrey Grende at 541-786-1806.

A tri-tip dinner will be served at the fire station starting at 4 p.m. The cost hasn’t yet been set.

The day wraps up with a street dance from 7-10 p.m. featuring Trailer Hitch.

For updates on the festival, check the N.P. Huckleberry Festival Facebook page.

Saturday, July 31

All day, starting with breakfast at 7 a.m.

Facebook: N.P. Huckleberry Festival