"It takes a heap more than a chawed off piece of straw and a few freckles to make a good Huck Finn," states Don Tucker, Jubilee spokesman. "Becoming Mark Twain's most popular storybook character takes a whole lotta heart. and a frog in your pocket doesn't hurt none either".

But the Jubilee is more than a look-a-like contest. It's a three-day escape into a new summer. Each year on Father's Day weekend, families pack the camper with kids, banjos, and fishin' poles and run away for a weekend of fun in the country.

As the Jubilee unfolds, the spirit of the author who penned the classics Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is presented on stage Friday, June 17, at 8 p.m. in the form of Mark Twain Live.

Named "2001 Bluegrass Event of the Year" by The International Bluegrass Music Association, the Jubilee continues to showcase top names in country and bluegrass music. More than 30 hours of main stage performances feature artists like Rhonda Vincent, The Nashville Bluegrass Band and Dry Branch Fire Squad. Legendary country artist, Merle Haggard is also featured in a Father's Day performance at 6 p.m.

There's a cow chip throwing contest, an Injun Joe's Treasure Hunt, and the Route 66 Car Show - where a "People's Choice" award goes to the classiest pre-1970 show car arriving on Saturday and Sunday.

The California State Arm Wrestling Championships are a hoot! They not only test the strength, but more importantly, the technique of guys and gals on Saturday at high noon.

Anyone can try his hand at white washing fences, building river rafts, and climbing a greased pole. Nearly all contests are free to enter, and ribbons are given to winners. Small fries can join the antics of the Russell Bros. Circus and learn how to make rope at the Mountain Man Village.

There's a turn of the century country fair atmosphere to the weekend, where mountain men and merchants tell tall tales and offer goods for sale. There's also plenty of grub on hand from the food and crafts villages, and a visiting chain saw craftsman can be seen carving tree trunks to look like bears carrying fishing poles.

In the cool morning hours, hot air balloons launch at 7 a.m. for a ride over the parks two man-made lakes and large campgrounds. The 800 acre Mojave Narrows Regional Park is located in a region of woods, meadows and lakes along the course of the Mojave River near Victorville, CA. Camping, horseback riding and fishing offer a laid back, close to home vacation break for families needing to get away.

Weekend camp arrivals are welcome and can be arranged by calling (951) 780-8810.

Jubilee hours are Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Daily admission for adults is $15, (Sunday $20). Youth, ages 6 yrs. thru 11 yrs. are $5 each day, and children under 6 years are free. Parking is also free.

Many motels are located nearby and information is available by calling the Victorville Chamber of Commerce at (760) 245-6506.