Cantaloupe Festival Celebrates its 40th Anniversary

The Fallon Cantaloupe Festival & County Fair returns Aug. 22-24 at the Rafter 3C Complex. This year’s theme is “A Traditional Agriculture Experience,” and visitors can expect all the usual fair exhibits like pies, jams, bread, beautiful handmade quilts, photography and, of course, all things cantaloupe!

Interactive agriculture activities will include a tour through time by the Churchill County Museum, a robotic milk cow from the Nevada Department of Agriculture, various activities from The High Desert Jr. Grange, and a display of the Newlands Water Project from the Truckee Carson Irrigation District.

The Friday night concert features Jared Hovis at 9:30 p.m. Saturday’s concert brings the Floyd tribute band at 9:30 p.m. This year, the concert is included in the general admission ticket price.

Saturday starts with the Cantaloupe Canter, a 5K Fun Run/Walk fundraiser for the Fallon Theatre. Registration starts at 7 a.m. and the race starts at 8 a.m.

The Rustoration Garage will host a Car & Bike Show in the parking lot for local car enthusiasts. Check-in starts at 8:30 a.m. and the show begins at 9 a.m. Awards will be handed down at 1 p.m.

The 8th Annual Cornhole Classic also returns Saturday with competitive and backyard divisions. Check-in starts at 10:30 a.m. and bags fly at 11 a.m.

Truck and Tractor Pulls hit the Outdoor Arena Saturday at 6 p.m. MLM Motorsports will host the event, which includes local and visiting competitors.

During the festival weekend, the 4-H and FFA animal barn will feature project animals as well as donkeys. Members will be available to answer any questions you may have about the project animals or about becoming a 4-H or FFA member.

Shopping will be fun and exciting as well, with many vendors on site. A general admission ticket provides access to all events throughout the weekend.

Pre-paid ticket prices are $12 for adults ($15 at the box office) and $6 for children ($8 at the box office). Pre-paid weekend passes are $20 for adults ($25 at the box office) and $9 for children ($12 at the box office).

For more information or to purchase tickets for the entire weekend, go to www.falloncantaloupefestival.com.