In the spirit of past Timber Carnivals, event will host fireworks, car show, music

A group of volunteers calling themselves the Mid-Valley Events Club came together to make sure there was a fireworks show in Albany this year and ended up planning a whole day of family fun in the spirit of past Timber Carnivals,

This year's event, dubbed the Albany Summer Fest, is themed "Rock, Rumble and Roll." Gates will open at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 4, at Timber Linn Park with music on the main stage, a beer garden, food and commercial vendors, crafts, a classic car show and a variety of areas providing old-fashioned family fun in the "Fun Zone."

"The biggest difference from past years to this, is that we won't have the lumberjacks," organizer Lisa Landucci said.

Their absence is because of a scheduling conflict with another Northwest festival and lack of funding for a prize purse. Organizers hope to bring the timber carnival events back in future years, but in the meantime a festival name change was in order.

The one upside to not having the lumberjacks this year, is that musical acts will be able to perform closer to the audience, instead the 20-foot setback from the edge of the stage that was required in years past to accommodate the Timber Carnival events set-up.

Landucci will sing in the event's final musical act with her husband, Chris Arellano, and Sugardirt at 8:30 p.m.

Sugardirt sports a rockabilly image while playing classics, country, rock and originals. In honor of the occasion, the group has added several patriotic tunes to their song list for the evening including the national anthem, "American Band," "Rockin' in the Free World" and "Born in the USA."

Other entertainment will include a "Battle of the Bands" presented by the Musicafe Rock School from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bands include In Pursuit Of, Adventure Galley, Russell Nute Band, Porcelain Express and The Steel Sisters.

Clint the Amazing Yo Yo man will perform at 4:30 p.m.; Rock School band's 6789 Converse Club and The Cheat will play at 5 p.m. The winning band from the "Battle of the Bands" will play again at 7:15 p.m. followed by fire dancers at 8 p.m.

A "Fun Zone" will have offerings including "Micro-Reality Racing" (remote-controlled cars), video games, mini-golf, spin art and more. Tickets will be required for some games, ranging from 1 to 3 tickets at $1 each. Home Depot is also hosting a free kids project area from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

A family hospitality area will also include free activities for all ages and there will be old-fashioned competitions such as sack races, three-legged races, a pie-eating contest, and an all-day West Albany High School versus South Albany High School tug-of-war challenge.

The car show will include trophies for "Best of Show," "Best Muscle Car," "Best Truck," "Under Construction" and more.

A fireworks will follow Sugardirt's performance at dusk. A variety of local companies have sponsored and donated funds to help make the event happen.

"The event should be really good this year," Landucci said. "We have everything really compact; easier to find."

Admission is $3, children under age 5 get in free. Parking is $5.

For more information, see www. albanysummerfest.com.

ALBANY SUMMER FEST

WHAT: Albany Summer Fest

EVENTS: Battle of the bands, live music by Chris Arellano, Lisa Landucci and Sugardirt, car show, beer garden, craft and food booths, family activities and fireworks.

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 4.

WHERE: Timber Linn Park, 900 Price Road S.E.

COST: $3 per person, free for children under age 5. Parking: $5.

INFO: albanysummerfest.com.