HAUSER - Hauser is taking "a step back in time" for its annual community celebration on Saturday.

"We're trying to bring back that community feeling that everyone used to know," said Amelia Kirk, one of the organizers. "We're trying to make the larger population feel like a small town."

Kirk and her mother Carol Spuler, through their involvement, are carrying on family tradition.

Esther Spuler, Amelia's grandma and Carol's mother, was among the event's founders. The celebration ceased for a few years and this is the second year of it being on the comeback trail.

"Last year we had about 500 people turn out and we got lots of positive feedback from it," Kirk said. "This year we expect it to be even bigger. It's completely run by donations and a core group of volunteers who've been meeting since March."

Several families, including Wachter, Spuler, Matheson, Sales, Jahnsen, Colton and Peone have lived on the lake for three or four generations.

"As we move forward into a new decade, we need to take a step back in time to honor our original longtime residents - some only with us in memories," Carol Spuler said. "We are hoping this annual event ... will become a tradition bringing this small fishing community together with pride and friendship."

The event features a fishing derby, parade, car show, music, pie-baking contest, fireman's contest, vendors, horseshoe tournament, relay races, martial arts demonstration and kids' activities.

The parade starts at 10 a.m. and runs along West Hauser Lake Road from Dinki D's to the fire station. Entries are free, but pre-registration is urged. Information: 457-8101

Attendees should look for "parade seating" signs along the route and may wish to bring chairs. Many residents are offering their driveways as a place to park.

Registration for the fishing derby runs from 5-9 a.m. Cost is $10 for a bass entry, $10 for a big fish entry and $3 for kids. There will be a mystery weight prize of $100 that kids could win. All kids will earn a prize and there will be prizes for rubber ducks found on the lake. Information: 659-4036

Other events run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Hauser Lake boat launch.

Forms to sign up for the fishing derby, parade, vendors and car show are available at Kirk's Espresso in Hauser and the Hauser Smoke Shop.

Food donations will be accepted at the event for the food bank.