Competition will be part of the fun at this year’s Fallon Cantaloupe Festival & Country Fair, with events ranging from growing the heaviest cantaloupe to pint-sized barrel racing and inflatable bucking bulls.
The Colossal Cantaloupe Growing Contest gives amateur growers a chance to compete for first, second, and third place for the heaviest cantaloupe, along with bonus prizes for the roundest, most unique, most unattractive, and largest Hearts of Gold cantaloupes. Commercial growers will be recognized separately but are not eligible for prizes.
Entries with noticeable cracks or rotten portions will be disqualified, and contestants are responsible for bringing their cantaloupes to the weigh-in and removing them after the winners are announced. Growers can also submit progress photos to the Cantaloupe Festival Blue Ribbon Fans Facebook group, with each photo earning an entry into a festival raffle.
Young festivalgoers can test their skills during the Lil’ Buckaroo Bounce-Off, beginning at 10 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 30, at the Rafter 3C Arena. The competition gives youngsters a chance to ride inflatable bucking bulls.
Participants must be at least 6 years old on the day of the event and must submit a completed entry form and liability waiver before competing. Standard Western attire, including a long-sleeve shirt, pants, and boots, is required. Spots are limited, and all judging decisions are final. Registration is available through the Fallon Cantaloupe Festival & Country Fair website.
The Pee-Wee Barrel Race follows at 11 a.m. Aug. 30 at the Rafter 3C Arena outdoor arena. Open to children ages 2-5, the event has youngsters racing around barrels on stick horses. Participants may bring their own stick horse or borrow one at the arena.
The race is limited to 15 contestants. Participants must wear standard Western attire and submit a completed entry form and liability waiver before competing. Ribbons and bragging rights are on the line.
The Cutest Little Cowboy & Cowgirl Contest will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29. Children will compete in separate age categories while showing off their best Western attire. As part of the America 250 initiative, contestants are encouraged to incorporate red, white, and blue into their outfits.
New this year, the first-place winner from each age group will advance to compete for the title of 2026 Fallon Cantaloupe Festival Cutest Little All-Around Cowboy/Cowgirl. The contest is limited to 30 participants, and registration is full.
COUNTRY FAIR ENTRY & JUDGING GUIDE
| Category | Entry Date and Time | Judging Date and Time |
| Quilts | Monday, Aug. 24, 9 a.m.-noon and 2-6 p.m. | Tuesday, Aug. 25, 9 a.m. |
| Amateur Photography | Monday, Aug. 24, 3-7 p.m. | Wednesday, Aug. 26, 1 p.m. |
| Crafts & Hobbies | Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2-7 p.m. | Wednesday, Aug. 26, 9 a.m. |
| Fine Arts | Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2-7 p.m. | Wednesday, Aug. 26, 9 a.m. |
| Knitting & Crochet | Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2-7 p.m. | Wednesday, Aug. 26, 9 a.m. |
| Needlework | Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2-7 p.m. | Wednesday, Aug. 26, 9 a.m. |
| Sewing | Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2-7 p.m. | Wednesday, Aug. 26, 9 a.m. |
| Home Arts & Furnishings | Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2-7 p.m. | Wednesday, Aug. 26, 9 a.m. |
| Food Preservation | Wednesday, Aug. 26, 4-7 p.m., or Thursday, Aug. 27, noon-3 p.m. | Thursday, Aug. 27, 4 p.m. |
| Food & Nutrition | Wednesday, Aug. 26, 4-7 p.m., or Thursday, Aug. 27, noon-3 p.m. | Thursday, Aug. 27, 4 p.m. |
| Fruits & Vegetables | Thursday, Aug. 27, 9 a.m.-noon | Thursday, Aug. 27, 1 p.m. |
| Roses & Flowers | Thursday, Aug. 27, 4-7 p.m. | Thursday, Aug. 27, 7 p.m. |
| Cantaloupe Growing | Thursday, Aug. 27, 4-7 p.m. | Thursday, Aug. 27, 7 p.m. |
KNOW BEFORE YOU ENTER
Country fair exhibitors should check the 2026 Premium Booklet for the complete rules for their department and class before submitting an entry. Entry requirements and judging procedures vary by category.
For the Colossal Cantaloupe Growing Contest, cantaloupes with noticeable cracks or rotten portions will be disqualified. Contestants are responsible for delivering their entries for weigh-in and removing them after winners are announced.
Competition forms, the 2026 Premium Booklet, cantaloupe-growing rules, and other competition information are available through the Fallon Cantaloupe Festival & Country Fair competition page.
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