OROVILLE – ‘Simple Enchantment’ is the theme of this weekend’s May Festival, Oroville’s premiere community event, celebrating its 78th year.
Queen Ali Miller and Princess Dayna Roley are the May Festival Royalty. Ali is the daughter of Scott and Benie Miller and Dayna is the daughter of Ross and Neysa Roley. They’ll be greeting everyone from atop the community float as well as making appearances at all the activities planned around the festival beginning with Friday evening’s coronation, which starts at 7 p.m. The coronation is followed by a mini parade down Main Street.
Saturday, May 12 begins early with the bass tourney at Deep Bay Park with registration between 5 and 5:45 a.m. There will be a pancake breakfast served at the American Legion Hall starting at 7 a.m. and that’s the same time to register for the 34th Annual Fun Run, which gets underway at 8 a.m. The 3 on 3 Basketball Tourney tips off at 8 a.m. as well. The Farmers’ Market gets underway at 9 a.m.
The crown jewel of the May Festival, the Grand Parade, begins at 10 a.m. with floats, classic cars, horses and riders, kids and civic and business entries of all kinds. The May Pole Dance, featuring Oroville fourth-graders follows the parade.
Meanwhile the Okanogan Borderlands Historical Society will have their display, “Then and Now” featured at the Oroville Depot Museum with past and present photos and a mining and model railroad display. There’s also a large display of antique cameras to enjoy.
The PTO will have a dunk tank at the north parking lot of the high school from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Scott Rich is sponsoring the Kangaroo Jumpers on Ben Prince Football Field at the same time.
Okanogan Estate & Vineyards is offering a wine tasting at their wine and gift shop (1205 Main) and Lake Crest is offering a wine tasting at their winery (718 Appleway) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Music by Project 3:16 of the Bible Faith Family Church starts at Ethyl’s Lot across from the Hornet’s Nest starting at 11:30 a.m. Meanwhile, the Cruiz-in Car Show will be taking place at the Shop Tavern and Subway parking lot. The Oroville Chamber Barbecue will be held at the east lawn of the high school starting at 11:30 as well.
At noon the Mason’s Kids Games begin on Ben Prince Football field. Roz Nau and her 2nd Strings Group will play at the Chamber Barbecue starting at 12:30 p.m.
At 1 p.m. Copper Mountain Vineyards invites people to enjoy a glass of wine on the deck and browse Taber’s Taste of Summer Fruit Barn (just north of town on Hwy. 97).
At 2 p.m. there will be a concert performed by the Okanogan International Chorus at the High School Commons.
On Sunday, Esther Bricques Winery (Swanson Mill Rd.) will be offering a wine tasting beginning at noon and then at 1 p.m. there will be a golf tournament at the Oroville Golf Course.
