FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Beckie Moore
June 10, 2021, Hope, AR, Hope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce will plan and implement a 2021 Watermelon Festival Parade. The festival parade has not happened for many years, so the chamber feels this is the year for a comeback.
Christy Burns, Chamber Board President commented, “Many people in Hope will remember the festival parades. They added another level of excitement to all of the activities and plans centered around the festival.”
The parade will take place on Monday, July 26 with the start time being 6:30 PM. The parade route will be the same as the Chamber Christmas Parade. This year’s theme is ALL JUICED UP.
Entries may include cars, floats, marching bands and walking groups. Please email the chamber at [email protected] if you are interested in receiving an application or pick up an application at the chamber, located at 201 S Main in downtown Hope. Deadline to submit an entry form is July 21, 2021.
All who previously served as a Watermelon Festival Queen and/or those who were selected to serve on the Queen’s “court” are invited to participate in the parade. Hempstead County Fair Queens & contestants for this year’s pageant are also encouraged to join us this year.
A Watermelon Festival Pageant will take place this year as well. The date/time/location will soon be announced. The pageant will follow the parade on a separate date in order to allow all pageant contestants to participate in the parade.
“No doubt we are all ready to celebrate and come together for this year’s festival. The parade will serve as the kickoff for the 45th Annual Hope Watermelon Festival,” stated Beckie Moore, chamber director.
