Carter and Carlie Williams came with their dad, Carsten, from their home in Boone to enjoy some watermelon on Watermelon Day in 2017.

STANHOPE — There’s nothing better than an ice cold slice of watermelon on a warm summer afternoon.

Throw in some music, games and parade and you’ve got a real celebration.

That’s just what’s going on in Stanhope on Saturday. The 61st annual Watermelon Day, sponsored by the Stanhope Lions Club, will get underway Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. with the big parade through downtown Stanhope. The theme is Come Celebrate Stanhope!

Parade entries can contact Jessica Murray, 826-3290, or, Wayne Romp, 826-3477 for more information. There are several categories for the parade, including businesses, clubs, churches, horses, antiques and children. Cash prizes will be awarded.

— Daily Freeman-Journal file photos
Stanhope State University won first place in business category of the 2017 Watermelon Day parade. It was entered by members of the Young family in memory of grandparents Robert and Ula. This year’s Watermelon Day is set for Saturday

Following the parade, activities begin in the city park. Rides, bingo and food stands open at 11 a.m. Inflatables will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the softball tournament will resume at noon on the ball diamond.

Jesse and the Seldom Seen Band will perform beginning at noon. The Kids Tractor Pull gets underway at 1 p.m.

The star of the afternoon is the truck full of watermelon that will be served free of charge through out the afternoon, beginning at 1 p.m. Just bring your own fork to dig into the fresh watermelon.

Ken Frette and Fred Coy will perform in the part from 1:45 to 2:45 in the park. The kids nickel scramble is set for 2 p.m. Pizza sales begin at 2:30 p.m. and the Sheltered Reality Drummers will perform at 3 p.m.

Music by Kyle Stringer will be featured at 4:15.

Tickle the Clown will be in the park to do face painting and tattoos for the kids.

Another round of free watermelon will be served at 7 p.m. The cash drawing will also be held at 7 p.m. One winner will receive $500 and one will receive $100, while six others will cash in on $25 prizes. A wooden flag will also be given away. Tickets for the give away can be purchased from any Lions Club member or throughout Watermelon Day.

In case of rain, the events will all be held on Sunday, July 22.