Watermelon Festival

🍉 The 3rd Annual Watermelon Festival at McDonald Farm 🍉

Join us at beautiful McDonald Farm for the Third Annual Watermelon Festival, a vibrant, two-day celebration dedicated to everything watermelon. From refreshing drinks and juicy treats to creative art, unique gifts, and incredible food, this festival is packed with flavor, fun, and unforgettable memories.

$5 Festival Admission

Adults/Ages 11+: $5

Children 10 & under FREE

This small admission fee helps us continue to grow the festival, expand activities, and keep the event welcoming and family-friendly for everyone.

🎉 Family Fun & Kids Activities

Kids will love a full lineup of inflatable fun, including Jump, Dunk and Slide Inflatables, and even watermelon-themed splash areas and slides. It’s the perfect place for little ones to cool off, laugh, and play all day long.

Guests will also have the chance to meet and visit some of McDonald Farm’s friendly animals, making this a truly charming farm-festival experience.

🎶 Live Entertainment

Enjoy live music and performances throughout both days, featuring talented musicians bringing great energy and summer vibes to the festival grounds.

🍉 All Things Watermelon

Of course, watermelon is the star of the show! You’ll find a wide variety of watermelons available by the slice or whole, along with watermelon-inspired foods, desserts, drinks, and creative products from our amazing vendors.

CONTESTS: A Weekend of Watermelon Fun & Friendly Competition 🍉

Saturday, August 22 & Sunday, August 23

Get ready for two full days of laughter, friendly competition, and watermelon-filled excitement! We’re thrilled to invite you to a weekend packed with crowd-favorite contests for kids, adults, and everyone in between.

📅 Saturday, August 22

🕦

11:30 AM – Watermelon Rolling Contest (Kids 12 & Under)

Little rollers, big fun! Kids will race to roll their way to victory, competing for Vendor Bucks that can be redeemed at any vendor booth throughout the festival.

Vendor Bucks Prizes:

🥇 1st Place – $40

🥈 2nd Place – $25

🥉 3rd Place – $10

🕛

12:15 PM – Watermelon Rolling Contest (Ages 13 & Up)

Teens and adults take the stage! Show off your speed and control in this fan-favorite rolling challenge.

Vendor Bucks Prizes:

🥇 1st Place – $40

🥈 2nd Place – $25

🥉 3rd Place – $10

🕐

1:00 PM – Watermelon Carrying Contest (All Ages)

How many watermelons can you carry? Strength, balance, and determination will be put to the test in this hilarious and high-energy contest. Open to participants of all ages.

Vendor Bucks Prizes:

🥇 1st Place – $40

🥈 2nd Place – $25

🥉 3rd Place – $10

🔥

3:00 PM – Hottest Hillbilly Contest (NEW!)

This brand-new Saturday feature is guaranteed to bring the laughs! Come dressed in your most creative, charming, or downright outrageous hillbilly attire — and be ready to explain what makes your hotness stand out from the rest.

Prizes:

🥇🥈🥉 First, Second & Third Place winners will each receive a handmade vanity mirror — because what better way to admire those good looks?

***Winners are chosen based on outfit, stage presence, crowd engagement, and overall hillbilly spirit—not traditional beauty standards.

📅 Sunday, August 23

🍉

1:00 PM – Watermelon Eating Contest (All Ages)

How fast can you go? No hands, no mercy — just pure watermelon glory as competitors race to the finish. Open to participants of all ages.

Vendor Bucks Prizes:

🥇 1st Place – $40

🥈 2nd Place – $25

🥉 3rd Place – $10

👑

2:30 PM – Watermelon Monarchy: Prince & Princess (Ages 16 & Under)

Step into the spotlight! Our Prince and Princess will be crowned in this royal celebration of fun and personality.

Each Winner Receives:

👑 Crown

🎗️ Sash

🍉 Two watermelons

🎁 Surprise watermelon-themed gift bag

***Winners are chosen based on costume creativity, confidence, personality, and overall watermelon spirit.

👑

Watermelon Monarchy: King & Queen (Ages 17 & Up)

To close out the weekend, we’ll crown our Watermelon King and Queen. (Exact time to be announced on-site.)

Prizes Awarded:

👑 Each Winner Receives a Crown and Sash

🍉 Each Winner Receives a Watermelon

🏆 Trophy awarded to the King

💐 Bouquet of flowers awarded to the Queen

***Winners are chosen based on costume creativity, confidence, personality, and overall watermelon spirit.

📝

Contest Registration Details

Day-Of Registration (Limited to 10 participants per contest):

• Watermelon Rolling Contests

• Watermelon Carrying Contest (All Ages)

• Watermelon Eating Contest (All Ages)

👉 Please arrive at least one hour early to register.

Pre-Registration Require:

• Hottest Hillbilly Contest

• Watermelon Monarchy Contests

📧 To register, email vendors@shopthemarketat.com

Please specify which contest you’re entering and, for the Watermelon Monarchy Contest, the appropriate age category.

We can’t wait to celebrate an unforgettable, laughter-filled, and truly watermelony weekend with you 🍉

Bring your energy, your creativity, and your competitive spirit — it’s going to be an amazing weekend!