Watermelons have long been a calling card for the City of Hope.

The Hope Watermelon festival features numerous activities including arts & crafts, food, entertainment and other family-oriented activities. Local civic clubs hold dinners featuring such down-home fare as locally grown smoked chicken and golden fried catfish. What else can you do at the festival? You can participate in a 5 k race, take in a dog show, enter the "Watermelon Idol" talent contest. The Urban Cowboy Reunion Tour staring Mickey Gilley & Johnny Lee will headline the Friday night concert in the park! Purchase tickets online: www.melonfestconcert.com. Saturday night concert will mark the return of gospel music...Gospel Fest!

Pro Wrestling will return this year on Saturday from 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM. Purchase tickets at the chamber (101 W 2nd Street, Hope, AR.)