The center of the golfing universe will be the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club June 11-17, and local municipalities are offering a family-oriented calendar of events, including a concert, fireworks, vintage railroad exhibits, an instructional program on putting and incentives from local businesses.

Coordinating the calendar is "like trying to herd 100 frogs," said Dominic Sorace, chairman of the economic development committee for the Oakmont Chamber of Commerce. But the theme is to tell visitors that Oakmont shops, stores and restaurants are open for business.

Festivities will begin Saturday at 7 p.m. when Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato introduces the mayors of Plum and Oakmont for opening remarks, followed by a free concert by Bill Deasy, under the clock tower on Allegheny River Boulevard.

Activities also will include children's games, balloon art, face painting, a wall for rock climbing and raffles, culminating with a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.

For railroad buffs, Norfolk Southern Corp. is bringing in vintage locomotives and sleeping and dining cars that can be viewed from the outside. The railroad equipment will be on display Saturday and through the tournament.

During the week of the Open, with 45,000 spectators expected each day for three practice rounds and four rounds of competitive play, officials will welcome visitors to experience the "small town charm and big city choices" of Oakmont's business district, Mr. Sorace said.

"If we can attract 1 or 2 percent [of the galleries], that's all it takes," he said.

Stores will be open until 8 p.m. daily. Parking is available, but the two-hour limit will be strictly enforced and multiple tickets will be issued to violators.

As part of the festivities, a traveling golf clinic will be held June 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Golf Augusta Pro Shops and Fit Fore All Days stores. Joe Bermel, also known as "The Putting Doctor," from Long Island, N.Y., will offer putting cures and advice. Visitors are invited to bring their folding chairs and putters for the demonstration.

Mr. Bermel also will be available at Saturday's kickoff party and for individual and group lessons through the remainder of the week.

The Oakmont Chamber of Commerce is offering a shuttle service from the train station to the tournament entrance to accommodate local residents and visitors. It is also offering a park-and-ride shuttle service for $25 from a lot on Dark Hollow Road off Plum Street.

More details are available at the chamber's Web site, www.oakmont-pa.com.