It’s mouthwatering, messy and a tradition that is 68 years ol.

It’s Watermelon Days, and Stanhope is the place to be this weekend.

Sponsored by the Stanhope Lions Club since it’s inception, it is an event that is “powered by hundreds of community volunteers”.

Events start at 8 a.m. with a softball tournament, which will be continuing throughout the day, with breaks between games. The Watermelon Day Parade begins at 10:30 a.m. By 11 a.m., the park is open with rides, games and bingo, in addition to the food stand.

Music will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Iowa Street, provided by the Ackley German band. The Heart of Iowa Cloggers will be entertaining at 12:45 p.m.

Free watermelon will be served starting at 1 p.m., in addition to the kids pedal tractor pull, which will be in front of Old Community Building. The Mirage Dance Troupe will begin at 1:30 p.m., and at 2 p.m., the kids nickel scramble will be held north of the food stand in the park.

The Watermelon Eating Championship will be held on Iowa Street at 2:15 p.m., with the Sheltered Reality Drummers performing at 3:15 p.m.

Music by Neil Hewitt will begin at 4:30 p.m. also on Iowa Street. The $750 cash raffle winners will be announced at 6:30 p.m.

In the event of rain, Watermelon Days will be postponed until Sunday, July 20.