De Leon Peach and Melon Festival
De Leon, Texas

When: early August

Where: Most of the events are held in the downtown area in De Leon.

A sign proclaiming "Welcome to De Leon, The Heartbeat of Texas, Come for a Visit Stay For a Lifetime" greets visitors who drive through this tiny Comanche County community. Although the lettering on the billboard may have faded over time, the friendly sentiments still ring true as De Leon's 2,400 residents welcome over 20,000 festival-goers each first week in August to enjoy a salute to simple summertime pleasures.

Since its start in 1914, a queen and a little miss have been selected to preside over the festival and wave to the crowd that gathers downtown to watch a bevy of baton twirlers, cheerleaders, antique automobiles and floats go by during the street parade.

In keeping with the festival's melon motif, contestants sign up for the watermelon seed-spitting competition and thump on the rinds of ripe watermelons before bidding on the best fruit during the melon auction.

Fans of anything on four wheels will get revved up over the vintage vehicles on display during the classic auto show, and they can cheer on drivers as they start up their engines for the tractor-pulling contest.

However, if sedentary pursuits are more to a festival attendee's speed, he or she can head over to the City Auditorium and watch domino players duel for dominance in the "42" tournament.

As the sun descends over the festival grounds, visitors discover the meaning behind the town's motto: "The Busiest Town, Friendliest People" as De Leon's denizens two-step the night away during a series of street dances that offer a toe-tapping end to the day.

For more information:

• visit www.deleonpeachandmelonfestival.com

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