NORTH POWDER, Ore. -- Huckleberry lovers should mark Saturday on their calendars. That's the date of the fourth annual North Powder Huckleberry Festival in Oregon.
The tiny, intensely flavorful mountain berries -- common in the nearby Blue and Wallowa mountains -- are the highlight.
But you'll also find crafts and food vendors, a parade, games, live entertainment and a barbecue from 5 to 7 p.m. prepared by the volunteer firefighters and quick response team.
Admission is free. The festival begins at 10 a.m. and runs until dusk. North Powder is midway between La Grande and Baker City on Highway 237. Activities take place within four blocks of the center of town on Second Street.
The highlight of the festival is the Huckleberry Dessert Contest and Auction at Cornerstone Baptist Church.
Judging begins at 1 p.m. Competition typically is fierce and the results delicious. There's bidding on the entries, with winners announced at 2 p.m., who then can take their favorite dessert home or eat it on the spot.
In the past, all entries were judged against each other, with pies typically winning the top awards. But this year, entries will be judged in categories: desserts, pies, breads and other. The "other" category includes sauces, jams and main dishes.
If you love these tasty berries, you can buy a copy of the cookbook the festival published last year for $8. They are available at the Union County Tourism Office and Visitor Center, 102 Elm St., La Grande. Or contact Laura Dougherty at 541-898-2045 or grandl97867@gmail.com to have one shipped.
Details on the event and a full schedule are available at www.visitlagrande.com or by calling 800-848-9969.
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