08/17/2026
come out and see us this weekend.. We will have our watermelon bread (like banana bread) but watermelon π
What is happening at the Watermelon Festival in Sale Creek at McDonald Farm this year? well, pull up a rocker and lend an ear....this is a long read but worth it!
π THE 3RD ANNUAL WATERMELON FESTIVAL AT McDONALD FARM π
Saturday, August 22 & Sunday, August 23
π McDonald Farm β Sale Creek, Tennessee
Get ready for a weekend bursting with summer sweetness, family fun, live entertainment, friendly competition, great food, unique shopping, farm experiences, and plenty of watermelon-filled excitement!
Join us at beautiful McDonald Farm for the 3rd Annual Watermelon Festival, a vibrant two-day celebration dedicated to everything watermelon.
From refreshing watermelon drinks and juicy slices to watermelon-inspired desserts, creative art, unique gifts, incredible food, family activities, contests, live music, farm animals, attractions, and plenty of surprises, we are planning a weekend full of memories for the entire family.
ποΈ FESTIVAL ADMISSION
Children 10 & Under β FREE
Ages 11 & Up β $5 Festival Support Fee
The $5 Festival Support Fee is your admission into the Watermelon Festival.
This small contribution helps us continue to grow the festival, expand our activities and entertainment, and cover the considerable costs involved in producing a large two-day event, including:
π Festival grounds and infrastructure
πΆ Live entertainment
π Festival contests and activities
π· Event staffing
π‘οΈ Security
π» Facilities
π€ Entertainment and production expenses
π§Ή Grounds preparation and cleanup
πͺ Festival programming
π And all of the behind-the-scenes work required to bring the Watermelon Festival to life
We are incredibly grateful for everyone who attends and helps support the continued growth of this event.
π IMPORTANT: WHAT IS AND IS NOT INCLUDED WITH ADMISSION
We want to be very clear so everyone knows exactly what to expect before arriving.
The $5 Festival Support Fee is not an all-inclusive pass covering every food item, beverage, ride, attraction, product, or service offered by independent businesses inside the festival.
There are many things you can enjoy as part of the festival experience without making an additional purchase, while certain independently operated attractions and all purchases from food, beverage, merchandise, and specialty vendors are priced separately.
π INCLUDED WITH YOUR FESTIVAL ADMISSION
Your festival admission includes access to the grounds and our scheduled festival programming, including:
πΆ Live music and entertainment throughout the weekend
π Watermelon Rolling Contest β Kids 12 & Under
π Watermelon Rolling Contest β Ages 13 & Up
πͺ Watermelon Carrying Contest β All Ages
π Watermelon Eating Contest β All Ages
π₯ Hottest Hillbilly Contest
π Watermelon Monarchy β Prince & Princess
π Watermelon Monarchy β King & Queen
π Sale Creek Giant Watermelon Championship
π Scheduled festival contests, competitions and activities
π The opportunity to visit and see some of McDonald Farmβs friendly animals
ποΈ Access to browse our artisan, craft, specialty and shopping vendors
π Access to our food truck, beverage and specialty food areas
π¦ FREE access to Fun Train USAβs giant misting tent
πΆ Plus the atmosphere, entertainment and overall experience of spending a summer weekend at McDonald Farm.
βΈ»
π FAMILY FUN & KIDS ACTIVITIES
There will be plenty happening for families throughout the weekend.
Kids will find inflatables, water-themed fun, attractions and opportunities to cool off during the summer heat.
Guests will also have the chance to visit some of McDonald Farmβs friendly animals, adding another special element to the farm-festival experience.
Please remember that some independently operated childrenβs rides and attractions require an additional charge and are not included in festival admission.
π JUMP DUNK & SLIDE INFLATABLES
Jump Dunk & Slide Inflatables will be bringing a full inflatable area for the kids, including plenty of opportunities to jump, play and cool off.
Because Jump Dunk & Slide is an independently operated attraction, use of its inflatables is NOT included in the $5 Festival Support Fee.
They will be offering:
π $15 Unlimited Jumping Armband
The armband allows participating children to enjoy the Jump Dunk & Slide inflatable area throughout the day rather than purchasing individual turns.
The inflatable armband is completely optional and is purchased separately from festival admission.
βΈ»
π¦ FUN TRAIN USA β INCLUDING A FREE GIANT MISTING TENT!
We are thrilled to welcome Fun Train USA to the Watermelon Festival.
One of their biggest additions will be a massive:
π¦ 35β x 35β x 18β TALL MISTING TENT
And the best part?
π¦ THE GIANT MISTING TENT IS FREE!
Guests are welcome to step inside, cool down, take a break from the August heat and then head back out to enjoy the festival.
There is no additional charge to use the misting tent.
Fun Train USA will also offer other attractions and activities, including water-related experiences.
Those independently operated attractions may require an additional fee and are not included in the $5 Festival Support Fee.
You do not have to purchase one of Fun Train USAβs paid attractions to enjoy the free misting tent.
βΈ»
πΆ LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Enjoy live music and performances throughout the weekend, with talented musicians bringing plenty of energy and summer atmosphere to McDonald Farm.
Live entertainment is part of the festival experience and does not require an additional entertainment ticket once you have entered the festival.
Bring a chair, grab something to eat and drink, and enjoy the music while spending the day with us.
βΈ»
π ALL THINGS WATERMELON
Of course, watermelon is the star of the show!
Throughout the festival, youβll find plenty of ways to celebrate everyoneβs favorite summer fruit.
Look for:
π Watermelon by the slice
π Whole watermelons
π₯€ Watermelon-inspired drinks
π° Watermelon-themed desserts and sweets
π½οΈ Watermelon-inspired foods
π¨ Watermelon art
ποΈ Watermelon-themed merchandise
π Creative gifts and specialty products
π Festival contests centered around watermelon
Please remember that food, beverages, whole watermelons, watermelon slices and merchandise offered by independent vendors are purchased separately and are not included in festival admission.
βΈ»
ππ SALE CREEK GIANT WATERMELON CHAMPIONSHIP ππ
Think youβve grown a giant watermelon? We want to see it!
The Sale Creek Giant Watermelon Championship is open to the public and gives local and regional growers the opportunity to bring their biggest homegrown watermelon to McDonald Farm and compete for the title of:
π 2026 SALE CREEK GIANT WATERMELON CHAMPION
All watermelons entered in the championship must have been grown by the person entering the competition.
Watermelons may not be purchased, borrowed, obtained from another grower, or acquired from any outside source for entry into the championship.
π
WATERMELON DROP-OFF TIMES
π
Friday, August 21
β° 10:00 AMβ3:00 PM
OR
π
Saturday, August 22
β° 6:00 AMβ10:00 AM
π DROP-OFF LOCATION
McDonald Farm
16706 Coulterville Rd.
Sale Creek, Tennessee
β οΈ IMPORTANT DEADLINE
ALL championship entries must be received no later than 10:00 AM Saturday, August 22.
No additional watermelons will be accepted after the deadline.
βοΈ OFFICIAL WEIGHING & JUDGING
Official judging will take place Saturday afternoon.
Qualifying watermelons will be weighed to determine which grower has produced the largest watermelon of the 2026 competition.
π OFFICIAL AWARD PRESENTATION
The official championship award presentation will take place:
π
Sunday, August 23
β° Approximately 3:00 PM
Our winning grower will be officially recognized as the:
ππ 2026 SALE CREEK GIANT WATERMELON CHAMPION ππ
π CHAMPIONSHIP PRIZE PACKAGE
The 2026 Champion will receive:
π΅ $250 CASH PRIZE
π Official Championship Trophy
π Recognition as the 2026 Sale Creek Giant Watermelon Champion
π± Special Social Media Spotlight Across Our Platforms
π€ Special Championship Announcements Throughout the Watermelon Festival
πΈ Festival Recognition and Championship Photo Opportunities
π Official Recognition During Sundayβs Award Presentation
And, of course, the bragging rights that come with growing the biggest watermelon of the championship!
So start weighing those watermelons and bring us your biggest one!
π Best of luck to all of our growers!
βΈ»
π CONTESTS: A WEEKEND OF WATERMELON FUN & FRIENDLY COMPETITION
Get ready for two days filled with laughter, friendly competition, prizes and watermelon-filled excitement!
π
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22
π¦ 11:30 AM β WATERMELON ROLLING CONTEST
Kids 12 & Under
Little rollers, big fun!
Kids will race to roll their watermelon toward victory while trying to maintain speed and control.
Vendor Bucks Prizes:
π₯ 1st Place β $40
π₯ 2nd Place β $25
π₯ 3rd Place β $10
βΈ»
π 12:15 PM β WATERMELON ROLLING CONTEST
Ages 13 & Up
Teens and adults take the stage and put their speed, coordination and watermelon-rolling skills to the test.
Vendor Bucks Prizes:
π₯ 1st Place β $40
π₯ 2nd Place β $25
π₯ 3rd Place β $10
βΈ»
π 1:00 PM β WATERMELON CARRYING CONTEST
All Ages
How many watermelons can you carry?
Strength, balance, strategy and determination will all be put to the test in this hilarious contest.
Vendor Bucks Prizes:
π₯ 1st Place β $40
π₯ 2nd Place β $25
π₯ 3rd Place β $10
βΈ»
π₯ 3:00 PM β HOTTEST HILLBILLY CONTEST
NEW FOR 2026!
Come dressed in your most creative, charming or downright outrageous hillbilly attire and be ready to explain what makes your hotness stand out from the rest!
Winners will be selected based on:
π€ Outfit creativity
π€ Stage presence
π Crowd engagement
π Personality
π₯ Overall hillbilly spirit
This contest is about fun, creativity and personality β not traditional beauty standards.
PRIZES
π₯ 1st Place
β’ Handmade Vanity Mirror
β’ Womenβs/Menβs Straw Cowboy Hat with Wide, Shapeable Brim
π₯ 2nd Place
β’ Handmade Vanity Mirror
β’ FEISEDY Vintage Square 70s Flat Aviator Sunglasses β Classic Retro UV400 Style
π₯ 3rd Place
β’ Handmade Vanity Mirror
β’ 26-Piece Manicure Kit
βΈ»
π
SUNDAY, AUGUST 23
π 1:00 PM β WATERMELON EATING CONTEST
All Ages
No hands. No mercy. Just pure watermelon glory!
Competitors will race to finish their watermelon while the crowd cheers them on.
Vendor Bucks Prizes:
π₯ 1st Place β $40
π₯ 2nd Place β $25
π₯ 3rd Place β $10
βΈ»
π 2:30 PM β WATERMELON MONARCHY
Prince & Princess β Ages 16 & Under
Our Watermelon Prince and Princess will be crowned in this fun celebration of creativity, confidence and personality.
EACH WINNER RECEIVES:
π Crown
ποΈ Sash
π Two Watermelons
π Surprise Watermelon-Themed Gift Bag
Winners will be chosen based on:
π Costume creativity
π Confidence
π€ Personality
π Stage presence
π Overall watermelon spirit
βΈ»
π WATERMELON MONARCHY
King & Queen β Ages 17 & Up
We will also crown our Watermelon Festival King and Queen as part of Sundayβs festivities.
The exact King & Queen crowning time will be announced on-site.
KING & QUEEN PRIZES
π Each Winner Receives a Crown
ποΈ Each Winner Receives a Sash
π Each Winner Receives a Watermelon
π The Watermelon King will also receive a trophy
π The Watermelon Queen will also receive a beautiful bouquet of flowers
Winners will be chosen based on:
π Costume creativity
π Confidence
π€ Personality
π Stage presence
π Overall watermelon spirit
βΈ»
π CONTEST REGISTRATION INFORMATION
π DAY-OF REGISTRATION
The following contests allow day-of registration:
β’ Watermelon Rolling Contest β Kids 12 & Under
β’ Watermelon Rolling Contest β Ages 13 & Up
β’ Watermelon Carrying Contest β All Ages
β’ Watermelon Eating Contest β All Ages
Participation is limited to 10 contestants per contest.
π Please arrive at least ONE HOUR before your contest to register.
Once all 10 spaces are filled, registration will close.
π§ PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Advance registration is required for:
π₯ Hottest Hillbilly Contest
π Watermelon Monarchy β Prince & Princess
π Watermelon Monarchy β King & Queen
To register:
π§ mailto:[email protected]
Please include the participantβs name, the contest being entered and, for Watermelon Monarchy, the appropriate age category.
βΈ»
π FOOD TRUCKS, COFFEE, SWEETS & BEVERAGES
Come hungry!
We will have a wonderful selection of independent food and beverage businesses throughout the festival, including:
π Food Trucks
π Specialty Food Vendors
β Coffee Trucks
π° Sweet & Dessert Trucks
πͺ Bakeries and Specialty Treats
π₯€ Beverage Trucks and Vendors
π Watermelon-inspired foods and beverages
Food and beverages are NOT included in your $5 Festival Support Fee.
These are independent small businesses participating in the festival, and purchases are made directly from each vendor.
βΈ»
ποΈ SHOP OUR AMAZING VENDORS
Part of what makes the Watermelon Festival special is the collection of talented makers, artisans and small businesses that join us.
Youβll be able to browse:
π¨ Art
𧡠Handmade Goods
π Gifts
π‘ Home DΓ©cor
π Jewelry & Accessories
π Watermelon-Themed Merchandise
πͺ Specialty Foods
ποΈ Unique Products
β¦and much more!
There is no additional fee to browse the vendor marketplace.
However, merchandise you choose to purchase from individual vendors is not included with festival admission.
βΈ»
β€οΈπ A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR WATERMELON FESTIVAL SPONSORS
A festival of this size simply would not be possible without the support of businesses that believe in our events, our community and what we are working to create at McDonald Farm.
This year, we are doing something special to recognize the businesses helping make the 3rd Annual Watermelon Festival possible.
We are creating an entire row at the festival called:
π SPONSOR ALLEY π
Sponsor Alley will bring our festival sponsors together in one dedicated area so that guests have an opportunity to meet them, learn more about their businesses and show their support.
We sincerely ask our guests to take a few minutes during the weekend to walk through Sponsor Alley, say hello and support these businesses whenever possible.
Our 2026 Watermelon Festival sponsors include:
π§ Tennessee Water and Air Technology
πΏ Southern Showers
π Renewal by Andersen
π€οΈ Patio Enclosures
π΄ Capital Vacations
π‘ American Home Design
πͺ Champion Windows
To each of these businesses, thank you.
Your support helps us provide the entertainment, activities, contests, infrastructure and overall experience that thousands of guests will enjoy throughout the weekend.
We know that sponsorship is an investment, and we do not take that support for granted.
Thank you for believing in the Watermelon Festival, for supporting our community, and for helping us make this yearβs event a success.
When you visit the festival, please make sure you stop by Sponsor Alley and show some love to the businesses that helped make the weekend possible. β€οΈπ
βΈ»
π΅ WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE $5 FESTIVAL SUPPORT FEE?
For clarity, the following are separate purchases:
π Jump Dunk & Slide Inflatables β $15 Unlimited Jumping Armband
π‘ Fun Train USAβs additional paid attractions and rides
π‘ Other independently operated paid rides or attractions
π Food Truck purchases
β Coffee purchases
π° Sweet and dessert purchases
π₯€ Beverage purchases
π Watermelon slices and whole watermelons offered for sale
ποΈ Artisan, craft and specialty vendor merchandise
π Any other product or service purchased from an independent festival vendor
βΈ»
π THE SIMPLEST WAY TO THINK ABOUT IT
Your $5 Festival Support Fee gets you into the Watermelon Festival and allows you to enjoy the festival experience and included programming.
Once inside, you decide how much β or how little β you would like to spend.
You can:
πΆ Listen to the music
π Watch the contests
π Participate in an eligible contest
π See the Sale Creek Giant Watermelon Championship entries
π Enjoy the farm atmosphere
π¦ Cool off in Fun Train USAβs giant misting tent
ποΈ Browse the vendors
β€οΈ Visit Sponsor Alley
π Watch the Watermelon Monarchy
π₯ Cheer on the Hottest Hillbillies
π Enjoy an entire weekend devoted to watermelon
β¦without purchasing every additional attraction.
Or make a full day of it!
π Grab lunch from a food truck
β Pick up a coffee
π° Find something sweet
π₯€ Grab a cold beverage
π Purchase an inflatable armband for the kids
π‘ Try one of the additional attractions
ποΈ Shop with our amazing small businesses
π Take home a watermelon
Those additional purchases are entirely your choice.
We want everyone to understand the difference ahead of time so there are no surprises at the festival.
βΈ»
π 3RD ANNUAL WATERMELON FESTIVAL π
π McDonald Farm β Sale Creek, Tennessee
π
Saturday, August 22 & Sunday, August 23
ποΈ Children 10 & Under β FREE
ποΈ Ages 11 & Up β $5 Festival Support Fee
πΆ Live Entertainment β INCLUDED
π Scheduled Festival Contests β INCLUDED
ππ Sale Creek Giant Watermelon Championship β INCLUDED
π Watermelon Monarchy β INCLUDED
π₯ Hottest Hillbilly Contest β INCLUDED
π¦ Fun Train USA Giant 35β x 35β x 18β Misting Tent β FREE
π Farm Festival Experience β INCLUDED
β€οΈ Sponsor Alley β INCLUDED
π Jump Dunk & Slide Unlimited Armband β $15
π‘ Additional Independent Attractions β Priced Separately
π Food & Drinks β Priced Separately
ποΈ Vendor Merchandise β Priced Separately
πππ
We canβt wait to welcome everyone back to McDonald Farm for an unforgettable, laughter-filled, family-friendly and truly WATERMELONY weekend!
Bring your family.
Bring your appetite.
Bring your creativity.
Bring your competitive spirit.
And if youβve been growing a monster watermelon all summer, bring that too! ππ
Most importantly, we want to sincerely thank our guests, our vendors, our performers, our staff, our attraction providers, McDonald Farm and our incredible sponsors for helping us continue to grow the Watermelon Festival year after year.
Come ready to have some FUN, support great small businesses, visit Sponsor Alley, cheer on our contestants and growers, and celebrate everything watermelon with us at the 3rd Annual Watermelon Festival at McDonald Farm! π
