If you’re heading for Arkansas and have a love for games, music, and most of all watermelon, make your way to the Hope Watermelon Festival and other easy-to-plan events around the state. The festival typically takes place in early August, offering a weekend filled with fun for all ages.
The annual Hope Watermelon Festival is held in Hope, Arkansas — better known as Bill Clinton’s childhood home. It is a beloved event that draws thousands of visitors each year.
The Hope Watermelon Festival makes for a great value weekend getaway where all ages will have fun browsing the cars and engines on display, and baseball card shows.
Visitors can enjoy shopping from arts and crafts vendors, or even participate in a hot-air balloon ride. Your group can “fly” over the festival area and surrounding Hope-Hempstead County. Down on earth, watch lawn mower races or cheer for your team in a softball tournament.
Don’t miss the wacky Watermelon Olympics and seed-spitting contests!
Yes, of course, there is all the watermelon you can eat, but you’ll have to save room for the local civic club dinners. These feature such down-home fare as locally grown smoked chicken and golden fried catfish.
A Sweet Slice of History
Hope has long been a town known for its juicy fruit. Since the 1920’s, melons from the town’s fields weighing in at over 200 lbs. have piqued national interest. Citizens used to gather by the train station, offering watermelon samples to overheated train passengers.
The first festival came in 1926 and has occurred almost every year since. The annual Watermelon Festival usually takes place in August each year when the fruit is ripe. In addition to the many kid-friendly and fun daytime activities, since 1999, a variety of live musical performances have been featured.
Past performances included country music star Joe Nichols and David Nail, and opening acts by past winners of the Watermelon Idol Contest.
For more information, contact the Hope-Hempstead Chamber of Commerce at 870/777-3640 or visit the Hope Melon Festival site.
A Slice of Fun: Events at the Hope Watermelon Festival
Photo by: hopewatermelonfest
Get ready to have a melon of a good time at the Hope Watermelon Festival! This festival is jam-packed with activities that celebrate everyone’s favorite summer fruit. Here are just a few of the highlights:
Photo by: hopewatermelonfest
- Watermelon Olympics: Show off your watermelon skills in this quirky and fun competition. Who can spit a seed the farthest? Lift a watermelon the fastest? You’ll be surprised at how competitive things can get!
- Melon Jams Open Mic Night: If you’re a musician or just love listening to live music, don’t miss the open mic night. You never know what talent might be discovered on the Farmers Bank & Trust Stage.
- Kiwanis Pulled Pork Dinner: All that fun will surely work up an appetite. Luckily, the Kiwanis Club has you covered with their delicious pulled pork dinner.
- Carl Jackson Concert: Get ready to tap your toes and sing along to the tunes of country music star Carl Jackson. His performance is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Watermelon Eating Contest: A classic festival favorite! Cheer on the contestants as they race to finish their watermelon slices. It’s messier than you think!
- Arts & Crafts Vendors: Browse the unique creations of local artisans and find the perfect souvenir to take home.
- Carnival Rides & Games: Let loose and enjoy the thrill of classic carnival rides and try your luck at winning a giant stuffed watermelon.
- Fireworks Finale: What better way to end a summer night than with a spectacular fireworks display? It’s the perfect way to cap off an unforgettable festival experience.
Stay in the Know About the Hope Watermelon Festival
To make the most of your festival experience and stay in the loop about the latest happenings, be sure to check the official Hope Watermelon Festival website before you go. You’ll find a detailed schedule of events, including times, locations, and any updates or changes. Don’t miss out on a single melon-tastic moment!
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