The 3rd annual Turlock Melon Carnival will get underway this weekend with many activities that were held at the original carnival more than a century ago.

The Turlock Melon Carnival was first held in 1911, organized by the Board of Trade in hopes of promoting and marketing the local melon industry and melon shipping businesses. It was an immediate hit with community members and visitors, drawing an estimated 5,000 people. A second carnival was held in 1912, drawing 10,000. The carnival was held intermittently until 1925 and by 1956, it had transformed into what we know today as the Stanislaus County Fair.

Many of the events and activities from yesteryear were applied to the carnival when it was revived three years ago.

Carnival events begin at 6 p.m. Saturday with the Miss Melon Pageant, followed by live music with Making’ Noise at 8 p.m.

The Miss Melon pageant was one of the activities of the original Turlock Melon Carnival in 1911 that was rekindled when the carnival returned in 2023. For the past two years, the Miss Melon pageant was a one-day affair, but this year organizers have expanded the contest to include events like the talent show, as well as more community involvement opportunities. Along with getting the young ladies and women more involvement in their community, that the idea is to get the contestants comfortable with speaking in front of people. The contestants range in age from five to 70, with five different pageant divisions – Little Miss Melon (5-9), Junior Miss Melon (10-14), Miss Melon (15-19), Ms. Melon (20-30), Legacy Ms. Melon (30-plus).

“It’s kind of nice to bring back that tradition and add a new spin on it,” said pageant co-director McKenzie Anderson.

There’s a full day of events planned for Sunday, starting with performances from local dance studios at 10 a.m. before the opening ceremonies at 11 a.m. at Stage A located at Main and Center streets.

The Kiddie Kaper Parade will begin at 11:50 a.m. This event is a short and sweet parade through the Turlock Melon Carnival. Kids, families, Scout troops, dance groups, clubs, and other youth organizations are invited to dress up, decorate their bikes, wagons, scooters, or strollers, and parade from Stage A to Stage B. The parade will be led by the Miss Melon Pageant winners and contestants, and every participating child will receive a special Kiddie Kaper Parade ribbon.

At Stage B, on Main and Palm streets, live music with The Vibes will start at 12 p.m.

A watermelon eating competition will be held at 12:30 p.m. at Stage A. No need to choose a favorite type of melon, as a cantaloupe eating competition will be held at 2:30 p.m. at Stage B.

Community dance performances will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Stage A and at 3:30 p.m. on Stage B.

Scheduled events will conclude with a cornhole tournament at 4 p.m. at Stage B.

For more information, visit: turlockmeloncarnival.com