(KAIR)--An active weekend is planned in Atchison, from the celebration of the Forest of Friendship to mountain oyster eating for a good cause and a Saturday filled with music.

The music happens as part of the annual Muddy River Music Festival, with Friday, September 12 being the final day for advance ticket purchases at $10. The price increases to $20 Saturday, the day of the festival, which Jill Thorne, Executive Director the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce says will get underway at 11:00 Saturday morning and run until 9:00 that night.

As the bands are playing, another event begins on the south side of the city, as American Legion Post #6 holds its 2nd annual Mountain Oyster Festival, with proceeds to benefit the Legion's new building, under construction at the site of the event, 1617 South 6th Street.

Running from 4 until 7:00, food, a DJ, silent auction, and bounce house are all part of the plan, along with the return of the Ball Eating Contest at 6:00. Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie was last year's champion, the so-called "Nut King," and he returns for another round of competition.

Prior to the start of the aforementioned events will be the 49th anniversary celebration at Atchison's International Forest of Friendship, located near Warnock Lake, including the induction of 12 new honorees, following the Parade of Flags Saturday morning.

Board member Diane Liebsch says registration for children taking part in the Parade of Flags begins at 9:00, with the parade beginning at 10:00, led by Smokey the Bear, all under the theme, "Flying and Forests."