What you need to know about the Watermelon Festival

by Valerie Catrow

The 27th Annual Carytown Watermelon Festival is THIS Sunday, August 8 from 10am to 6pm. All of Richmond will be there, and you should be, too. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of it…

Weather

I’ve lived in Richmond for all of my 28 years, and I recall the Watermelon Festival always falling on the hottest day of the year. Not the case in 2010. Weather Dan says the high is going to be more like 90 than 100. But remember, 90 is still pretty warm, so drink your water and be sure to keep your little ones (two and four-legged) friends hydrated as well.

Parking

Parking is available at the University of Richmond stadium, just a couple blocks south of Cary Street. Street parking is also available in the surrounding areas, but please take care not to block residents’ driveways. When in doubt carpool, walk, or ride a bike.

Food

Watermelon stands are scattered throughout the festival space (usually one on each block). It typically costs just a couple bucks for a gigantic slice.

Several other food vendors (including some of your favorite Carytown restaurants) will also be setting up shop on the street should you be looking for a departure from Sunday’s celebratory fruit.

A few vendors will accept credit cards, but best bring cash.

Entertainment

There will be about 80 performers throughout the day, including Meade Skelton, Gills & Wings, and Big Pop and The Doo Woops. Check out the festival map for a full list of who plays when and where (it’s a PDF, fyi).

Babies and Puppies

Children are welcome at this event — they’ve even got a huge kid zone planned. I smell a MOON BOUNCE.

Dogs (and I guess cats?) are also welcome, but please keep your pet on a leash and bring plastic bags so you can help keep our streets poop-free.

We encourage you to dress all babies, kids, puppies, and dogs up like watermelons.

Have fun — hope to see you out there!

August 06, 2010 0