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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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