For decades, the Milan Melon Festival has attracted thousands of visitors to the small village with its three-day schedule packed with activities, fun and food.
“For this committee to put this festival on, it’s amazing what they do,” said Village Administrator Brian Rospert.
This year’s festival is set for Sept. 1-4 at Milan Square, 41 Front St. in Milan.
The evening of Sept. 1, select food vendors will be open for dinner.
Activities move into high gear at 8 a.m., Sept. 2, with a pancake breakfast at St. Anthony Church before the full festival opens at 10 a.m. with the baby contest.
Local bands will be featured throughout the festival and the grand parade at 2 p.m., Sept. 3, will include at least two members of Milan royalty.
The 2022 festival queen Sophia Guerra will be featured along with her attendants.
The grand marshal of the parade will be the original Melon Festival queen Helen Hurst Brown.
Kids day on Sept. 4 includes a variety of fun contests such as a watermelon roll and a kiddie tractor pull.
The 50th running of the annual 5K also occurs Sept. 4.
New this year, tickets will be available at the information booth for a 50/50 drawing.
Drawings will be held on Saturday, Sunday and Monday with proceeds benefiting scholarships for Edison High School seniors.
Throughout the event, melons and melon-flavored foods will be available.
“Milan used to be known for the best melons around,” Rospert said.
Many in the area still grow and sell melons, added Mayor Pam Crosby.
The Edison Schools Athletic Boosters has a partnership agreement with Toft’s Dairy in Sandusky to produce watermelon sherbet and cantaloupe ice cream, available exclusively at the festival.
Events also include a car show at the Athletic Field, a craft area in the library parking lot, Friends of the Library book sale and carnival rides for youngsters, Crosby said.
The Village Square designated outdoor refreshment area is suspended in favor of the American Legion beer tent, she said.
A shuttle is available to the Village Square from Edison High School on Route 113 East.
The mission of the Milan Melon Festival Committee is to foster, celebrate, promote and sponsor events in the community including the Milan Melon Festival.
The committee is comprised of all volunteers.
Meetings take place at 6 p.m. the second Monday of every month at the Milan Town Hall.
For more information on the committee, email milanmelonfestival@yahoo.com.
