The Hermiston Melon Fest is an annual summer celebration of the eastern Oregon city’s world-famous watermelons, featuring free melon slices, live music and the festival’s unique high-energy bathtub races. This year’s festival will take place on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in downtown Hermiston. The highlight of the festival is the fresh farm-grown melon slices provided free by local growers.
Start the day at the $5 Rotary breakfast from 7 to 9 a.m. while supporting Rotary Club charities. Then watch or compete in the wheeled bathtub races starting in the early afternoon. Teams of three — one rider and two pushers — race wheeled bathtubs down Festival Street to the cheers and laughter of fans.
Other popular events include the Watermelon Costume Contest with cash prizes, plus the Seed-Spitting Showdown and the Watermelon Eating Contest.
This year’s festival will be bigger, better, and more “melony” than ever. You can browse local craft and food vendors, view a classic car and hot-rod show, and enjoy live music performances.
For details, schedules, and links to contest and vendor registration, visit the Hermiston Parks and Recreation website, hermiston.gov/parksrec/page/melon-fest.
Bring your friends and your appetite to Hermiston. You may come for the melons, but you’ll surely stay for the fun!