The cold, snowy weather of last weekend is a thing of the past as warm, sunny weather is in the forecast for the fifth annual Enterprise Summerfest celebration hosted by the Enterprise Merchant’s Association this week Friday and Saturday, June 14-15.

For the first time, Oregon Mountain Cruise in Joseph coincides with Summerfest, and visitors are invited to enjoy both events.

This year Summerfest is incorporating the old Crazy Daze sidewalk sale all day Friday, with such traditional Summerfest events as the Alder Slope fun run/walk (starts 9 a.m.), Hoopfest (9 a.m.), parade (11:30 a.m.), bed race (after parade), and barbecue (5:30 p.m. on Saturday. New this year are two appearances by an Elvis impersonator at the OK Theater and an appearance by the colorful vintage cars of Oregon Mountain Cruise when they drive in a procession from Joseph to Enterprise and back at 3 p.m. Saturday.

An all day Art Walk is planned in downtown Enterprise Saturday, with a list of businesses which will be displaying art work by local artists available at the Back Fence on Main St. A flyer in the windows and chalk drawing in front of each business will also identify participants. A teen dance, featuring Sidetracked is also scheduled from 9 to 11 p.m. at the Elks Lodge.

On Friday merchants are invited to dress up and compete for prizes at a 7:30 a.m. Costume Breakfast at Pam’s Country Kitchen in the Wallowa Valley Mall. On Friday at 5:30 p.m. there is also scheduled a Flag Day ceremony at Warde Park by Enterprise Elks Lodge, the local VFW post and local Scouts.

It’s still not too late to sign up to take part in any Summerfest events this year. In fact, the fate of the popular and exciting Bed Race was in doubt at press time, with no one yet signed up to take part. “We have the beds, we just need teams,” said event chairman Lee Daggett early this week. “We have some maybes, but no commitments yet.” Daggett points out that the bed race is good advertisement for any business, and recruitment of non-employees to field a team is perfectly acceptable. An empty racing bed parked in front of his Daggett and Associates real estate business in downtown Enterprise advertises the need for bed racing teams.

“We’ll put on a miniature version of the race if we have to,” said Lee Bollman, Merchants Association president.

There are new hoops for the 3 on 3 Hoopfest, and those who participate in the event will receive Hoopfest visors and “all the water they can drink,” according to first-year chairman Nancy Ingram. Entries are coming in slow, with only four teams (all male) registered early this week, but she is hopeful that, as in years past, there will be last-minute teams enter. Cost is now $60 per four-person team. Registration forms are available at Pioneer Bank, Enterprise Flower Shop and other local businesses.

Being honored as grand marshal of the 2002 Summerfest is Gail Swart, long-time Enterprise Elementary School music teacher who, in her retirement, is volunteering her time to keep the music program alive. Retiring Enterprise High School Art teacher Gary Wishart was also invited to share the grand marshal honor, but is out of town this week and unable to accept.

Entries are still being accepted for the parade, which will form at Cloverleaf Hall starting at 10:30 a.m. Judging for prizes will take place at that time. While early registration is encouraged, last minute entries are accepted. Forms are available at all participating businesses.

There is $2 off the price of the $12 New York steak dinner to be served at Enterprise City Park at 5:30 p.m. Saturday for those who purchase their tickets early or participate in any of the Summerfest events.

Informational, craft and food booths will also be set up throughout Enterprise as part of the Summerfest celebration.

For more information call the Enterprise Merchants cell phone number, 519-7154.