PERU – A dearth of volunteers in the first two years has extended into the third annual Peru SummerFest, a neighborhood block party.

So far, there are only four volunters, which is why organizers are desperate for help with events on both Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 6 and 7, said Yvonne Allen.

“We’re looking for volunteers – any volunteers – even if it’s just to work one day for an hour,” Allen said Wednesday afternoon. “We started with 11 the first two years and we’re down to four now. It was just four of us that put this thing together this year.”

The festival’s winning theme, Summer in Peru – The Way Life Should Be, was submitted by Peru School student Brody Thompson.

New events this year include a Newlywed or Not So Newlywed game modeled after the 1966-1974 television show of the same name, a firefighters’ demonstration of vehicle extrication work, a woodsmen’s competition for both women and men, and a magic show.

“We’re very excited about these new things,” Allen said.

Friday begins with a kickoff parade from Mountain Valley Sports at 6 p.m. to the Peru School. For more information phone Glen Tompkins at 562-4500.

A chicken barbecue will be held at the school from 5 to 7:30 p.m., followed by parade awards of cash prizes at 7:30 p.m. and a talent show at 8 p.m. To enter the show, phone Brenda Gammon at 562-7223.

The newlywed game closes out the day’s fun, Allen said.

“We’re going to have people put their names in for different age groups, then we’ll pick four or five couples in a lottery for contestants who will then go up on stage. People can come and enter or just watch Peru’s finest couples get to know each other,” she added.

There’s no word yet on what the winning couple gets for a prize.

Saturday’s events, which include a day-long silent auction, begin with a pancake breakfast at 8 a.m., followed an hour later by the firefighters’ demo, food by the Peru Snowmobile Club, and eighth-graders selling Chinese auction raffles.

The Woodsmen’s Competition, with Jack and Jill events, begins at 10 a.m. in conjunction with a penny carnival and kids’ games, which include a Fear Factor game and a Battle of the Streets Tug of War.

Contests in the Woodsmen’s Competition, which was created by John and Bob Dolloff, include crosscut saw, dot split, log throw for accuracy and distance, and a skillet toss for women.

Scott Grassette’s Magic Show begins at noon, followed by three live bands – STR8-Up, Hooligans and another yet-to-be-named group – performing from 1 through 4 p.m. A Cow Chip Casino begins at 3 p.m. and a pickup softball game, which wraps up the event, begins at 4:30 p.m.

To volunteer, phone 562-7496 or 562-7639.

tkarkos@sunjournal.com

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