Thomson’s iconic Melon Days celebration will be honored Saturday, September 5, 2015 as part of its year-long Sesquicentennial Celebration, and the event features home-grown McGinnis melons free to attendees.
This year’s celebration begins with the 21st Annual Min’s Mississippi Memorial Walk/Run beginning at 8 am on West Main Street. Friendly dogs are invited, and race-day registration is available. Contact Melody Wilkinson at 815-259-2209, or register online at www.GetMeRegistered.com/MinsMissMemRun.. Teeshirts are available as supplies last.
Babe Tipton is again calling the WCCI New Item Auction at 10:00 am – all new merchandise, plus many gift certificates. Tipton Auction Service is located at 3001 Highway 84.
At noon, the Riverbend Antique Tractor Pullers will evoke memories of the days when tractors didn’t have cabs and air conditioning. The event will take place at the recently dedicated Curley Park at the ball fields.
The Heirloom Café begins its Harvest Festival at 11 am, and promises something for everyone: music, camel rides, magic and prize drawings. Located on Highway 84 at the former McGinnis Melon Stand site, the Café has become a popular food and entertainment destination.
Thomson has long been remembered for its melons, and from 1p – 5p, that tradition will be revived, as presentations and displays of Melon Days past will be featured at the York Community Church, Highway 84, just north of the Heirloom. Bim and Deb McGinnis have donated the genuine article: Thomson-grown melons! This is not to be missed. Bring your memorabilia and stories to share while you enjoy the incomparable melon we all grew up with. There will be a special presentation by the McGinnis Family at 2p and memories of Melon Days recalled by Babe Tipton at 4p.
A videographer will be filming the event, and Dr. Art Donart will conduct oral history interviews recording your memories of Thomson: Melon Days, ballgames, musicals, unforgettable characters.
Events continue at 6 pm, as the Mississippi Valley Garden Tractor Pullers’ Association fires up at Curley Park.
The day concludes with Open mic at 822 Main Street. Hosted by the classic rock band, “High Performance Audio,” the venue includes PA, drums, bass and guitar amps provided by the hosts. Bring your guitar, sitar, or kazoo and join in – solo artists, bands, comedians and poets are encouraged to share their talent.