The 43rd Annual Hope Watermelon Festival is coming August 8, 9 and 10 at Fair Park in Hope,  Arkansas. There will be a ton of things to do and see for the whole family. Enjoy food, live entertainment and more! Enter the Watermelon Eating Contest or the Watermelon Idol contest, Watermelon Olympics, Pro Wrestling, plus a dog show and more! 

Here's a look at some of the activities that are scheduled.

Thursday, August 8
• Noon – Concessions/Vendors/Exhibitors/Verizon Village / Kidz Zone
• Photo-Op Cutouts in Kidz Zone
• 4:30 – Watermelon Idol – Farmers Bank & Trust Stage
• 6:00 – 7:30  Dog Show (Swine Barn)
• 7:00 – 8:00 – Historic Washington Vintage Dancers (near Coliseum)
• 7:00 – 9:00 – Global 1 Pro Wrestling – Rodeo Arena – Armbands will be provided, so everyone may enjoy the concessions and return to the arena.

Friday, August 9
• 9:00 – Festival Opens (Kidz Zone, Tyke Town (New for Children 1-5) Friday Fun! Kidz Zone & Tyke Town Sponsor: Shreveport Regional Airport. Camel Rides, Petting Zoo, Pony Rides, HPSD Paint the Bus with Verizon, Inflatable Obstacle Course, Jousting, Laser Tag, Face Painting, Climbing Wall + Taekwondo Demonstrations+ Fun & Games

* (Some exhibitors and concessions may open at 10:30 AM & remain open until the final music act at 10:00 PM)

• 11:00 – Noon – Piano Man Jack (Farmers Bank & Trust Stage)
• 12:30 – 2:00 – NightHawk (Farmers Bank & Trust Stage)
• 2:00 – 4:00 – Baggo Tournament (baseball field) Summer Powell, Chair
• 2:00-3:00 – Southbound Revolver (music) – BancorpSouth Stage
• 3:00 – 4:00 – MonsterBoy (music) – BancorpSouth Stage
• 4:00 – 5:30 – Business/Industry Watermelon Olympics – (Car Show Area)
• 8:30 – 10:00 – Music Entertainment – Firewater – Farmers Bank & Trust Stage

Saturday, August 10
• 7:30 AM – 5K Run/Walk – followed by Melon Mile for Kiddos
• Noon – Watermelon Eating Contest – BancorpSouth Stage
• 6:00 – Gates open to Legion Field for Headline Concert - Armbands will be provided, so everyone may enjoy the concessions and return to the concert.
• 6:05- Watermelon Idol Finals
• 7:30 – Wyatt Putman – CMC Steel Products Stage
• 8:30 – Diamond Rio – CMC Steel Products Stage

Of course, there will be free famous Hope Watermelons to enjoy too!

Ice Cold Watermelon by the Slice (BIG Tent) $1.50 & $2 slices: Thursday: 5:00 – 9:00 / Friday: 10:00 – 9:00 / Saturday: 10:00 – 8:00

For a full schedule see the Hope Watermelon Events Page.

Visit www.hopemelonfest.com to register for the 5K Run/Walk, Melon Mile, Watermelon Idol, Baggo Tournament and Car Show. Pick up Watermelon Olympics and Baggo Tournament Entry Forms at the chamber.

To purchase Diamond Rio Tickets, visit the Hope-Hempstead County Chamber Office or buy online at uacch.edu/Diamond Rio.
• Tickets: Adult - $15 & Children (4-10)-$6
• Day of Event - $20 Reserved - $40

To purchase Global 1 Pro Wrestling Tickets, visit the chamber at 101 W 2nd Street or purchase them at the gate.
Adults: $15 / Day of: $20 and Children 12 & under: $6.

 

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