EPHRATA — Ephrata will take to the streets this weekend with the 111th annual Sage ‘n Sun Festival.

“Last year we we had started out brand new, kind of redeveloped it And we're in the process to continue to make it grow and to build it into something a little bit bigger if we can. Last year we did not have very many vendors. This year, including food and craft or info booth-type vendors, we've got 42. That's pretty good for our small area, so we're really excited.”

The musical lineup is pretty eclectic, including Mojo the Party Band, which lets audiences sing with the band in a karaoke-like setting; country musician Rusty Jackson; The Funk, a classic rock and electric blues group; and the Janis Joplin tribute band Kosmik DreamZz. The headliner will be another tribute band, Aeromyth, featuring the music of the 1970s-80s rock powerhouse Aerosmith.

The Wenatchee Youth Circus will return this year. WYC, which bills itself as “the biggest little circus in the world,” has been performing for more than 70 years all over the Northwest, according to its website. The all-youth troupe performs high wire, flying trapeze, fire and aerial acts, according to its website, but no animal acts.

“It was so amazing to watch those kids (last year),” Witte said. “They are so good. This little girl, she's got to be 10 to 12, 13 maybe, was the emcee. And she never missed a beat. If she made a mistake, you never even knew it.”

The WYC will include its aerial show as long as the wind doesn’t get high, Witte added.

There will be a beer garden both days, and the Ephrata Lions Club will host a fun run Saturday at 8 a.m.

The Grand Parade will take place at 11 a.m. downtown. Registrations are still being accepted for the parade, Witte said. This year’s grand marshal will be Grace Nelson, a 1951 graduate of Ephrata High School who will celebrate her 90th birthday this year.

“She's like our town historian,” Witte said. “She's fabulous. She's just a wonderful, wonderful lady with a sense of humor that won't quit.”

Even at 90, Nelson needs a little fun though.

“She’s staying in a family home,” Witte added. “We’re gonna break her out so she can come and have some fun with us.”

Joel Martin can be reached via email at [email protected].