Now this just sounds like a lot of fun, coming up in a couple of weeks:

Kick off summer vacation at the Summer Shootout Marble Tournament, Saturday, June 16, 2012, at the Des Chutes Historical Museum. The event begins at 10 a.m. In addition to tournament play, there will be marble free play throughout the day, lawn games and other fun activities for families. Marble enthusiasts and beginners are all welcome to play and compete for a chance at the title of Marble Champion 2012.

Marble competition will be in two categories: children ages 7 to 11 will compete for a brand new bicycle from Hutch’s Bicycles, while 12 and older can register to compete in the Young at Heart category to win an Xbox. Previous marble playing experience not needed! A warm-up and marble ‘shooting’ lessons will be provided prior to beginning of tournament play.

Tournament registration is open and can be done up to the morning of the event, with an early bird discount. Registration is $10.00 per person prior to June 12, $15.00 per person after. Registration information and forms are available by going to the Museum’s website, www.deschuteshistory.org.

Admission to the museum will be free to all participants with the chance to win great prizes. In addition to the marble shootout and Museum activities, families will have the opportunity to visit booths provided by Sunriver Nature Center, the High Desert Museum, Art Station, Girl Scouts, and Wabi Sabi to learn about fun summer programs happening around Central Oregon.

Sponsored by The Peak, Lite 95.1, and The Bulletin, all proceeds from the event benefit the Des Chutes Historical Museum’s educational programs. The Des Chutes Historical Museum is located at 129 NW Idaho Ave, between Wall and Bond. Please visit the Des Chutes Historical Museum website at www.deschuteshistory.org or call 541-389-1813 for more information.

The Museum is also looking for volunteers willing to help with the event. If interested in volunteering, please email the Museum at info@deschuteshistory.org.