Barb Billings, the owner of the River's Edge Mercantile can't remember how long LeRoy has been having summer celebrations.

The town has a population of only 1000, but they will be rolling out the red carpet with this weekend's Summerfest 2002 on July 18, 19. 20, and 21.

"The town used to call this celebration Western Days. We have always had a summer celebration. We have so many activities going on this weekend. We just keep getting bigger. The people in this town really are go-getters. Judy Jasper, the post master is the chairman of the parade this year. She is a flamboyant and extremely efficient person. She'll take on most anything," Billings said.

Tonight's activities start with a Variety Show at 7:30 p.m. at the LOHS Gym. This will showcase local talent.

Friday's events start at 5 p.m. with the L-O Pool Benefit Supper. At 5 p.m. at the South Park in LeRoy. Friday's events wrap up with an all ages street dance with music by Jim Hozan Entertainment.

Saturday morning there is an ice cream social at the LeRoy Community Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Deb Nordland, a past resident of Leroy , will be performing at 1:30 p.m. following the ice cream social. The ever popular game of Bingo will be played at 3 p.m.

The sought-after Windsor chop supper will be served at the South Park from 5 to 7 p.m.

" We are extremely fortunate to have the Drum and Bugle Corp. Decorah Kilties perform at 7:30 p.m. on the football field in full dress. They will be in the parade on Sunday too. They are wanted all over and we are so happy to have them here," Billings said.

The town gets down with the band Adam's Eve from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. with an adults only street dance.

Sunday morning after all that partying, the town gives thanks with an ecumenical church service at 10 a. m. at South Park.

The Firemen's Chicken Feed follows with serving from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Then comes the Grand Parade with 100 units expected.

"We are still getting calls for units that want to come in. The Shriner's Merry Medics will be in the parade and El Mecca Firehouse Brigade. These are just a couple popular

units. We have extended the parade route so there is more shade for viewers to sit back and enjoy the sights," Billings said.

Billings is extremely proud of the little haven of LeRoy. She mentioned there has been a new building on the east side of town for assisted living for those that need it and the clinic has a new doctor, Dr. Young.

"We are in a very beautiful part of the state. The Shooting Star Bike Trail will be going through here and we offer camping on my property. We do have RV hook-ups. It was necessary to have another campsite in the area as there is no camping at Lake Louise after Labor Day because state funding was cut. The money we raise from Summerfest goes towards the Commercial Club and Emergency Services. We gave $5,000 to replacing the old bridge in town too.

"We are proud of our little town. This is a great place to live."

Sheila Donnelly can be reached at 434-2233 or :mailto:newsroom@austindailyherald.com