Milton-Freewater Mayor Lewis Key has assumed duties of chauffeuring the grand marshal during at least a handful of years for the Muddy Frogwater County Classic Festival parade. This year, hell again be in the drivers seat of his 2004 Ford Thunderbird convertible.

However, Key wont have to go far to pick up the guests of honor as he and his wife, Patty, were chosen as grand marshals for the 32nd year of the event.

It was kind of a surprise, Lewis Key said. Its nice to be recognized.

The festival kicks off Friday morning and runs through Sunday afternoon. The parade gets rolling Saturday at 9:30 a.m. departing from Valley Christian Center on North Main Street. It will continue on Main Street on its way to Yantis Park on DeHaven Street. Most activities are held at Yantis Park.

The Keys, who are Milton-Freewater natives, both graduated from McLoughlin High School in 1961. The couple has two children, Greg Key of Seattle and Tracy Logan of Portland. In addition, they have two grandchildren, Emma, 6, and Adam, 8.

In past years, the grandchildren have enjoyed riding in the parade with the Keys. Emma, Key said, is impressed with her grandfathers status in the community.

Shes convinced Im the boss of Milton-Freewater because Im the mayor, he said with a laugh.

Key encourages people to come out and enjoy the festival.

Its just a real social event all weekend long, he said.

Cheryl York, Milton-Freewater Chamber of Commerce executive director, said the event offers a variety of free entertainment and activities in the park. Also, a number of clubs and organizations hold fundraisers during the event.

A pair of concerts is planned during the evenings from 7-10 p.m. Nuketown takes the stage Friday and Back Roads plays Saturday.

They dont have to pay to come into these concerts and they are usually very, very good, York said. We encourage people to come in and bring their lawn chairs, or we have straw bale seating, and enjoy the festival and vendors.

Festival highlights include the pretty baby contest, the Harvest Time Fine Arts Show, the Muddy Frogwater Square Dance Club, Hip Hop Mania contest and the Firemans Waterfight.

In its third year, Talent of the Valley features 34 competitors. The contest runs Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 1:30-5 p.m. and Sundays finals are from 12:30-3 p.m. Cale Moon, the 2011 winner, will perform Saturday at 5 p.m.

In addition, the event will feature food and more food everything from breakfast to barbecue and roasted corn to watermelon will be available for purchase. The food prices, York said, are very reasonable. In addition, they help support local organizations.

A new activity is the Kiwanis Golf Ball Derby. Similar to a duck race, golf balls will be dumped on the sloping College Street, with a number of prizes being awarded to winning balls. Tickets, which are $1 each of six for $5, are available from Kiwanis members, the chamber office and during the festival. The balls will be dropped Sunday afternoon.

For more information, including a full schedule of events, go to www.muddyfrogwaterfestival.com.

Contact Community Editor Tammy Malgesini at tmalgesini@eastoregonian.com or 541-564-4539.