To the Editor:

The Stanhope community celebrated its’ 60th Watermelon Day on Saturday, July 15. The word for the day was – hot! However, the weather did not stop the fun, parade, games of skill, softball tournament, Lion burgers, homemade pies and of course, ice cold watermelon.

From the presentation of the American Flag, followed by the Lion of the Year, Charles Wilcox, spectators were treated to a variety of over 70 floats. There were Boy Scouts, 4-Hers, church floats, a goat in a sidecar, a Za-Ga-Zig Calliope from Des Moines, clubs, businesses, horses, doodle bugs, a clown, antique cars, tractors and area rescue vehicles. It was fun to see all the smiling faces as we drove in the parade. The saying must be true, “Everyone Loves a Parade”! The marching tunes of the South Hamilton alumni band organized by Alan Spohnheimer of Ames had me thinking of marching bands and parades of years past.

If that wasn’t enough, all afternoon there was a live band, a dance troupe (I don’t know how they move like that), energetic drummers and the Hansen Family Jugglers and Unicycles (I don’t know how they do that either).

The Stanhope Lions would like to say a big thanks to the area merchants and organizations for their generous donations in support of Watermelon Day. Your support helps to make Watermelon Day a big success.

It really does take a community willing to work together to make this day a success for all who attend. It really says something about a small community when people return every year for a Watermelon Day. It’s a day when the whole community works together to take up the Lion motto of “We Serve”.

I am honored to be a part of the Lion organization and a community that cares enough to make 60 years of watermelon day celebrations a summer treat for all!

From the Stanhope Lions, a heartfelt – Thank You to the citizens of Stanhope and surrounding communities. Congratulations to another successful Watermelon Day!

Jackie Frederick

Secretary, Stanhope Lions Club