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(Above) The latest version of our fierce mascot, the Mighty Watermelon Warrior. Running and ready for the 49th Stanhope Watermelon Day!

Leading up to the Stanhope National Holiday we have been experiencing some "Hotter than Fort Dodge Weather" in the Watermelon Warrior Nation. But thanks to a good shot of rain from Mother Nature, tomorrow's 49th Watermelon Day looks to have almost perfect weather. We'll start posting some stories tonight on the Eve of Watermelon Day. Below is the schedule posted by the Stanhope Lions in the South Hamilton Record News. Special thanks to Stanhope State Correspondent Rick Young for the email.

The 49th Stanhope Watermelon Day
Saturday, July 22nd, 2006 (Rain Date is Sunday, July 23rd)
Sponsored by the Stanhope Lions

Friday, July 21st
6:30pm Stanhope Alumni Banquet, Ellsworth Gym

Saturday, July 22nd
10:30am PARADE - Theme: "Have a Good Time, It's No. 49!
11:00am Rides, Stands and Bingo are Open
11:30am Food Stand Opens (Homemade Pies!)
11:30am Elite Power Tumbling
1-5:00pm Free Watermelon (Bring your own fork!)
12:30pm Drummers
1:00pm Pedal Tractor Pull
1:00pm Frozen T-Shirt Contest
1:30pm Water Wars
1:30pm FRAUGHT Band
2:30pm Sugar Creek Cloggers
3:00pm Seed Spitting Contest
3:30pm Sugar Creek Cloggers
3:30pm Sliced Pizza Sales
4:00pm Mercy 1 Life Flight Helicopter Landing
5:00pm WAUKEE BIG BAND
5:30pm T-Ball Games (Weather Permitting)
7:00pm Free Watermelon (Bring your own fork!)
8:00pm Drawing for Winners of $750 Cash (1 - $500, 1 - 100, 6 - $25 Winners)
Only one winner per family only

Our Stanhope State News Team will try to cover as much as we can this weekend. We sincerely hope you enjoy the sights and stories from our coverage of the 49th Stanhope Watermelon Day!

Do you have any news or good stories you want us to cover this weekend? Send an email to stanhopestate@yahoo.com.