Food and fun
Watermelon Day celebrates 60 years
Attending Watermelon Day is a strong tradition for many who weren’t about to let the oppressive–but typical–Iowa summer weather keep them away from enjoying Stanhope’s hospitality in the town park. Rides and games for the kids, Lion burgers and pie from the food stand, a slow-pitch softball tournament and free musical entertainment were all perfect complements to the slices of free ice-cold watermelon that were served all afternoon.
Sponsored by the Stanhope Lions Club, the event celebrated its 60th anniversary Saturday. In addition to the Lions, scores of local volunteers come forward to make sure the day was successful. That’s part of the Watermelon Day tradition, too.
The celebration started with the annual Stanhope alumni banquet held on Friday evening in the local community center, which attracted about 130 Stanhope High School graduates and their guests from all over Iowa and beyond. In 1962 the last class graduated from the Stanhope school before it was included in reorganization to form the South Hamilton Community School district.
Saturday kicked off with a big parade made up of entries from all around Hamilton County. Prizes went to entries in several categories:
Antique
1. Varlen Carlson, 1935 Chevy
2. Linda Erickson, Model A
3. Stan Housberg, Allis Chalmers tractor and planter
Business
1. Grant Young, Stanhope State University
2. KJYL Kinship Christian Radio
3. Crestview Senior Living
Church
1. Our Saviors Lutheran, Stanhope
2. Stratford United Methodist
Club
1. Clear Lake Sailors 4-H Club
2. Kids Cancer Squad
3. Stratford Lions Club
Horses
1. Hamilton County Saddle Club
2. Starting flag bearer