Makkedah Pergande, of Jewell, finishes off her wedge of watermelon during the watermelon eating contest in 2023 in Stanhope. Thousands of people converged on the small Hamilton County town to observe its 65th annual Watermelon Day.

STANHOPE — The 66th annual Stanhope Lions Watermelon Day is Saturday.

Two things are on the menu: Watermelon and fun. Bring your own fork.

The fun kicks off with a softball tournament that begins from 7 to 10 a.m. The tournament takes a break for the parade, which begins at 10:30 a.m. This year’s theme is Making Memories. The float categories are Old Time Float, Business, Church, Club, Horse, Antique, and Children. The float contact is Roger Hayes, 515-835-2995.

Festivities in the park begin at 11 a.m. following the parade.

Food stands, rides, games, Bingo, a vendor market and registration for the cornhole tournament take place then.

At 11:30 a.m., Ken Frette will provide the music.

The softball tournament resumes at noon.

At 12:45 p.m. the Heart of Iowa Cloggers perform.

The Kids Pedal Tractor Pull is at 1 p.m.

The Watermelon Eating Contest begins at 1:30 p.m.

At 2 p.m., there is a Kids Nickel Scramble in the park.

Sheltered Reality Drummers perform at 2:30 p.m.

At 4 p.m., live music begins with premier tribute bands Badd Company & Foreigner.

At 6:30 p.m. there will be a drawing for a $750 Cash Raffle.

The money raised during Watermelon Day not only helps cover expenses of the event, but the net proceeds go towards supporting a broad spectrum of local projects, scholarships and community improvements throughout the year.

If it rains on Saturday to the extent the event must be postponed, the events will take place on Sunday, July 21.