The Labor Day Weekend wouldn’t be complete without attending the annual Milan Melon Festival. 53 years and still going strong, the festival attracts roughly 100,000 visitors to the Village Square in the heart of Thomas Edison country.
What makes this festival different? What’s all the hubbub about? Why it’s the ICE CREAM, of course. Each year, the festival organizers team up with the local Toft’s Dairy to create Cantaloupe ice cream and Watermelon
sherbert. Scoop some into a split melon and it’s next to heaven on earth. Just the thought of that creamy, fruity flavor rolling around in my mouth……mmmmm
“The spirit of the festival is it’s all about the kids,” says Melon Festival President, Tammy Vitaz. The festival features children’s games, arts and crafts and displays, rides and, of course the food vendors and the ICE CREAM. Every year I plan and pace myself so that I can enjoy a bit of all my favorites including Mo’s Gyro stand, the Kiwanis corn roast, Berardi fries and of course, the ICE CREAM.
Some of the yearly events include:
The Recliner Race where two people try to maneuver one person on a recliner to the finish line
The Grand Parade which is the “spirit of the festival”, according to Vitaz. People line the entire parade route with their beach chairs and settle in for the two hour show.
The Sport-A-Thon where the varsity athletes agree to embarrass themselves if the price is right. They football players may be asked to wear a dress or shave their legs or sing to their mothers….you get the picture.
The Classic Car Parade……Need I say more?
The Melon Idol Contest draws local talent to compete. Voting is done by three judges and collection of dollar bills in a box for each contestant. Whoever gets the most dollar bills, gets points added to their score.
Here’s all you need to know:
What: Milan Melon Festival
When: Sept. 3-5
Where: Milan Village Square, U.S.250 and SR 113, Milan, OH
Cost: FREE
Info: milanmelonfestival.org
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