KELSO -- If you have driven south on Interstate 55 recently, you probably have seen the billboard advertisement for Kelso's Sommerfest.

"It can't hurt anything," said event co-chairman Jerome Essner. In the past, advertising has been limited to only sections of a sign, he said.

With heightened community awareness, organizers of the 19th annual Kelso Sommerfest expect a big crowd.

The two-day festival, which begins Friday, is sponsored by the Kelso Jaycees. All activities will be held at the City Park just off Highway 61 in Kelso.

Grounds open at 5 p.m Friday and the Sommerfest Queen contest begins at 7 p.m.

Decade will provide music from 8:30-11:30 p.m. on Friday and Charlie's Sound System will play from 7:30-11:30 p.m. on Saturday.

A car show, supervised by the River City Rodders, will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Trophies will be awarded in 13 classes. Vehicle entry fee for the show is $10.

Other events planned for Saturday include a volleyball tournament at 10 a.m.; a horseshoe tournament at 1 p.m.; and a children's pedal tractor pull at 6:30 p.m. Clowns will also visit the park grounds from 4-6 p.m.

Throughout the two-day event, there will be bingo games, children's rides and games and arrowhead-making demonstrations with "Arrowhead Fred."

There is no admission charge or parking fee. Concession stands will also be available.