EAST PROVIDENCE — The 35th edition of the East Providence HeritageFest takes place Friday through Sunday, July 17-19, in and around Pierce Memorial Stadium.

The Fest kicks off Friday at 6 p.m., running through 11 p.m. with performance by the noted local cover band Brass Force. Saturday, events run from 3 to 11 p.m. and features what organizers deem a return to the Fest's roots with a concert of 1950s and 60s "oldies" groups. Artists scheduled to perform are The Mystics (“Hushabye”), Larry Chance and the Earls (“Remember Then," “I Believe”) and Eddie Holman (“Hey There Lonely Girl,” “I Love You”).

"I'm a big advocate of that music because of my age," said Heritage Committee Chairman Clarence "Junior" Butler Jr., who at 69 has been active in HertiageFest since its inception and literally spent more than half his life involved the event.

"('Oldies') music has always been a staple for us," he continued. "And the word I'm getting from members of the committee, the feedback they're hearing out in the community, is that there's a buzz about Saturday night. As long as the weather cooperates, we should have a good night, a good weekend."

The final day attractions include the return of the HeritageFest 5k road race Sunday morning at 7 o'clock. The race will begin at Pierce and end in the stadium with a free concert by The Copacetics (Ska, Rocksteady and Reggae). Visit www.nbhalf.com for more details or to register to compete in the race.

The Fest concludes later Sunday, from 3-10 p.m., with Country music taking the stage. Nathan Osmond, of the famed artistic family, headlines the wrap-up concert. His four latest singles, ("Sweet," "The Tailgate Song," "There's A Whole Lot About A Woman" (with Country legend, Jack Greene) and "Stars & Stripes" have all hit No. 1 on several Country charts. Also, twin sisters, Debbie & Carrie Moore, known as country duo, Moore & Moore will join Osmond. They have written No. 1 songs and have received numerous awards including “Country Duo of the Year” and "International Entertainer of the Year."

Also Sunday, Power League Wrestling stages a card of matches, a National Guard "zip line," and a Touch-A-Truck event is available featuring vehicles from the armed forces and labor.

After 35 years, through some ups and downs, HeritageFest remains a staple on the local community calendar each summer. If Mr. Butler and members of the organizing committee can, they plan to continue the tradition well into the future.

"I feel that we're still viable. Through the efforts of the committee we've been able to hold the line with expenses. We try to put together a program everyone can enjoy," Mr. Butler added. "We thank all the sponsors and people who continue to support us because without them we wouldn't be able to put this together."

Tickets for HeritageFest are $5 for adults Friday and Sunday, $10 Saturday. Children under 12 are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. For updated information on the Fest visit www.epheritagedays.com or www.facebook.com/epheritage.