NORTH POWDER — The annual Huckleberry Festival centers around something small — the tiny purple berry that grows in the forests of Eastern Oregon.

But this summer festival is anything but small, and North Powder will buzz with activity July 27 and July 28.

Saturday

Saturday starts early with breakfast at the Community Church from 7-9 a.m. Vendors open at 8 a.m., as well as registration for the car show.

“We have a lot of vendors we haven’t had before,” said Shiloe Weston, who helps organize the event.

The car show runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday on E Street. Entry is $15 per vehicle. For information, email Sydney Kmetic at keelankmetic@gmail.com.

The Huckleberry Trot fun run starts at 8 a.m. Entry, which includes a free T-shirt, starts at 7 a.m. and is $20 for adults or $10 for kids. Proceeds support the North Powder High School class of 2025.

Parade floats start lining up at 9:30 a.m. — entries can register at the lineup. The parade starts at 10 a.m., and a $50 prize will be awarded to the best float.

This year’s grand marshals are Jim and Chris Aldrich. Jim has lived all his life in the Haines/North Powder area and graduated from Powder Valley High School. Chris has lived in the area for 43 years and graduated from Baker High School and attended EOU. Jim has farmed about “every inch of Baker County and half of Union County” and Chris taught at North Powder Elementary for 28 years.

Other events throughout the day include a 50/50 raffle at the festival information tent and a silent auction for two Anthony Lakes lift tickets. Also, Wolf Creek Grange will be open during the day with huckleberry milkshakes, taco salads, hot dogs, popcorn and a quilt display.

The North Powder Library will have a book sale during the festival.

Saturday wraps up with a street dance at 7 p.m.

Sunday

On Sunday, July 28, vendors open at 8 a.m., and the festival’s bed races start at 9 a.m. Teams of five supply their own bed — sign up to race at 8:30 a.m.

The horseshoe tournament starts at 10 a.m., and registration opens at 9:30 a.m.

Volunteers needed

Weston said the festival is in great need of volunteers throughout the weekend.

“We need volunteers for all aspects,” she said.

Volunteers can call Weston at 541-403-3308.