Wednesday, June 24, 2026 – Hope, Arkansas – Applications are now available for the

Miss & Mister Watermelon Festival Pageant and Beautiful Baby Contest, two beloved

events held in conjunction with the 50th Annual Hope Watermelon Festival – Golden

Jubilee Celebration.

The Miss & Mister Watermelon Festival Pageant will take place on Tuesday, August 4,

2026, at Klipsch Auditorium and is free and open to the public. Contestants from birth

through 18 years of age are invited to participate. Categories span a variety of age

groups, and winners will receive titles and recognition throughout festival week.

Entry forms are available at the following locations:

 Hope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce

 Vintage Girls

 Little Things Children's Boutique

 Rae Tays

The Beautiful Baby Contest is a photo-entry event open to children from 1 day to 3

years old. All submitted photos will be displayed during the 50th Annual Hope

Watermelon Festival, and winners will be selected prior to the festival.

“These events have become treasured traditions that celebrate the youngest members

of our community,” said Christy Burns, Executive Director of the Hope-Hempstead

County Chamber of Commerce. “We look forward to seeing all of the smiling faces and

crowning another outstanding group of royalty during our Golden Jubilee celebration.”

For more information, contact the Hope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce at

(870) 777-3640, email [email protected], or stop by 201 S. Main Street in

Hope.

Join us August 6-8, 2026, as we celebrate 50 Years of Sweet Tradition at the Hope

Watermelon Festival.