HOPE, Ark. — Thousands of visitors are arriving in Hope as the 50th annual Hope Watermelon Festival begins Thursday at Hope Fair Park.
The three-day festival runs through Saturday under the theme "Golden Jubilee". The Hope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce hosts the event, which marks five decades of community tradition and agricultural heritage.
Organizers expect tens of thousands of guests to visit the grounds over the weekend. The festival features nearly 300 vendor booths, an arts and crafts market, a car show, a 5K race and a dog show. Festivalgoers can also participate in seed-spitting contests, watermelon eating competitions and the Watermelon Olympics.
Slices of ice-cold Hope watermelon will be available for attendees throughout the weekend. Local farmers will also showcase giant watermelons grown across Hempstead County.
Multiple stages will host live music throughout the event. Country music star Gretchen Wilson will headline the grand finale concert Saturday evening at Hope Fair Park, with singer Mae Estes opening the show.
Gates open at noon on Thursday and 9 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Park admission is free, while tickets are required for the Saturday night concert.