By GAYLE WEBER

gweber@dailynews.net

Luray is doing things a little differently this year in hopes of standing out among the crowd of community festivals throughout the summer.

The 45th annual Luray Friendship Days will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Woodstock this weekend with two days of music and activities downtown.

"We wanted to do something bigger and better than we've done previously," said Jack O'Leary, president of UMB Bank in Russell and Luray.

Saturday's events begin with an open mic hour at 6 p.m. at the Yellow Dog Saloon, followed by music from Shades of Grey and the Blue Healers. A free barbecue will take place both days.

Music from Motherfolkers, Flat Spin, Pete Gile, Common Ground, Sly Ridge and the Soul Preachers highlights Sunday's schedule of music in the city park. The day also will feature a non-denominational church service at 9:30 a.m. in the park, a parade at 1 p.m. and children's activities throughout the day.

O'Leary said Friendship Days focuses on fellowship and making sure everyone in attendance is having a good time.

"There's no headliner because we decided let's headline ourselves and promote our local area," O'Leary said.

The event is free and is one of many Labor Day celebrations along Kansas Highway 18 over the weekend with Natoma and Lucas also hosting events.

"It's really a scenic place and we want to showcase it," O'Leary said.