It is time for the annual Hope Watermelon Festival in Hope, Ark. Arts and crafts, great music, watermelon eating, seed-spitting contest and tons of booths. This is the 41st annual event and a weekend filled with fun for the whole family.

The festival is Thursday through Saturday, August 10 - 12. Admission into the festival is free and parking is only $5.

What you can expect at this year's event: Run in a 5k race, catch the dog show, enter the "Watermelon Idol" talent contest, seed spitting contest and many other events throughout this 3-day festival. On Saturday night you can see Joe Diffie in concert.

Download the festival brochure to get the times and locations of all of the fun.

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson will participate in the "Politically Correct" Watermelon Eating Contest this year.

The Hope Watermelon Festival is a huge deal for Hope, Ark. Watermelon is sold by the slice at the event and you'll find people selling whole watermelons on the side of the road leading to the festival.

The festival is held at Fair Park at 800 South Mockingbird. For more details call 870-777-3640 or visit online.

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