If anything makes it to its half century mark, and then a few years beyond, there's bound to be a few changes and tweaks and refinements to the process.
Even with something as simple and straightforward and deliciously sweet as watermelon. Like many fruits found around the Golden State, it gets its own annual bash courtesy of the Sunland-Tujunga Lions Club. But like there isn't just one way to enjoy a watermelon -- it can be cubed, sliced, blended, and beyond -- the club's popular Watermelon Festival has taken a few twists.
At least location-wise. If you've followed the fruitly doings wherever they've landed, turn toward Santa Anita Park in Arcadia on Saturday, July 19 and Sunday, July 20. Nope, there won't be ponies about, but there will be watermelon-glazed turkey legs.
We kind of want to let that just sit out there, on its own, for another sentence. Watermelon. Glazed. Turkey. Legs. County fairs? You have some serious competition in the kooky (but tempting) food department.
Other treats that involved the H20-iest of fruits'll be sold -- hello, Watermelon Funnel Cakes -- but the day isn't strictly about eating (and getting your shirt covered in whatever doesn't make it to your mouth, as is the watermelon's way). Music and activities and a royal court, including a Watermelon Queen, are hallmarks of the long-running bash.
Oh, and when we say long-running? It's been around since 1961. Not a ton of events, food-related or not, can say that.
Admission is ten bucks, parking is four, and pocket some cash for those watermelon-glazed turkey legs. We assume your pockets will be on pants or a shirt you don't mind getting soaked.
The Scene
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Because, please: Who wants to be neat while consuming the Universe's Most Juicy Edible? No one wants to be neat, is the correct answer.
