Chinchilla Melon Fest: Everything you need to know
HUNDREDS of Toowoomba residents will make the two-hour trek to Chinchilla this weekend for the famous Melon Festival.
The biennial event, which attracts thousands of visitors to the town in south-west Queensland, is expected to inject millions into the Chinchilla economy as people celebrate the region's melon farming.
Here's a complete run-down of the top attractions at Melon Fest 2017:
_t1880.jpg "The Davies family were the winners of the 2015 Melon Festival Weigh-In with this monster which came in at 63.5kg. Pictured: Sandy, Bernie, Steph, Fletcher (in front), Chris, Matt and Nikiha Davies.")
BIG MELON WEIGH-IN
The Big Melon Weigh-In is almost synonymous with the festival itself.
Growers from across the country vie for the prize of the largest fruit at the event, with the biggest ever recorded weighing in at 87.5kg in 2007.
When and where: Today from 3pm at Fuller Place.
MELON RODEO
Nearly 60 riders will compete in the Melon Rodeo's open bull-ride, making it one of the biggest in Australia in terms of nominations.
With $16,000 in prizemoney on offer, you can bet the competition will be hot across the different events. Entry is just $15 for adults.
When and where: Today from 5.30pm at the Chinchilla Showgrounds.
MELON FEST BEACH PARTY
The famous Club Hotel will be transformed into a tropical paradise for the biggest party at Melon Fest 2017.
Two bands and four DJs will keep the crowds entertained, including headline act Busby Marou from 9pm.
To book tickets for the party, phone 4669 1100.
When and where: Today from 5pm at the Club Hotel.
MELON FEST STREET PARADE
A staple of the festivities, the Melon Fest Street Parade will give visitors a taste of Chinchilla and what it loves to celebrate.
There will be plenty to see and do at the parade, so make sure you bring the family.
When and where: Saturday from 10.30am on Heeney St.
MELON DASH FOR CASH AND SKIING
If messy fun and excitement is what you're keen for, the Melon Festival's Dash for Cash and Melon Skiing is a spectacle not to be missed.
Eager participants will try to either out-run their competitors with a giant melon or use to fruit to ski the furthest distance.
Beware, there is nothing tidy about these events!
When and where: Saturday from 12pm, Heeney St (Dash), and 12.30pm at Chinchilla State School oval (Skiing)
OTHER EVENTS
- Friday Festival Feast: Chinchilla State School oval, Friday from 6pm
- Market stalls: Chinchilla CBD, Saturday from 7.30am
- Showtime FMX Team: Middle St, Saturday from 1pm
- Melon Bowls Day: Chinchilla Bowls Club, Sunday from 12pm
- Jazz at the Museum: Chinchilla Museum, Sunday from 4pm
