Watermelon Days is set to remember ‘Then and Now’

By Mike Van Sickle
Contributing editor
mvansickle@thefayettecountyunion.com

“1972-2013: Then and Now” will be revived during Fayette’s annual communitywide Watermelon Day's celebration Friday-Sunday, Sept. 6-8.

An ice-cream social will kick off the weekend festivities at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6. According to the tentative schedule, Mayor Bill Dohrmann will present the Mayor’s Awards at 6:30 p.m., which will be followed by the coronation of Mr. & Miss Fayette, and Little Miss & Master Fayette.

DJ music will be provided for a street dance in downtown Fayette following the Friday evening ceremonies. 

The community celebration continues on Saturday with registration for the Watermelon Days Tot Trot & 5K Walk/Run at 7 a.m. The annual event is open to persons of all ages.

The “1972-2013: Then and Now” parade will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7. Parade entries are still being sought. To register for the parade or for additional information, call Rick Hofmeyer at (563) 422-8090.

In addition to the serving of free watermelon, additional fun and games begin at noon on Sept. 7. 

Bean Bag Toss Tournament registration will take place in front of Triple J. Games and activities tentatively planned for the children include kids’ waterball, fire truck rides, a treasure hunt, face painting, barrel rides, and a Kids’ Safety Station.

The Watermelon Days Button raffle is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., with community games to follow at 6:30 p.m. A movie (TBA) on the lawn will be featured at the corner of Main and State streets. 

The fireworks have been ordered and will light up the sky at approximately 9:15 p.m. An additional movie on the lawn will be shown following the fireworks.

The 2013 Watermelon Days festivities will conclude Sunday, Sept. 8, with the Fayette Car Club Show & Shine. Automobile enthusiasts won’t want to miss the classic cars, which will be displayed from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  

For a complete schedule of Watermelon Days events, see next week’s Leader.