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Winston-Dillard Melon Festival Marks 56 Sweet Years of Tradition

The Winston-Dillard Melon Festival returns Sept. 19–21 at Riverbend Park! 🎉 Join us for food, crafts, kids’ fun, and the parade on Sept. 20 at 11 a.m. (registration 10 a.m.). Vendors welcome - no insurance needed except food, weapons, or activity booths!

Winston-Dillard Melon Festival Marks 56 Sweet Years of Tradition

Winston, Oregon — This September, the community of Winston celebrates the 56th annual Winston-Dillard Melon Festival, a beloved hometown tradition rooted in farming history and community pride.

A Legacy Rooted in Sweetness

The melon-growing legacy in Winston-Dillard began in the late 1800s, when farmers shipped cantaloupes to Portland by wagon and later by rail. By the 1940s, “Pride of Dillard” melons were shipped in the tens of thousands of crates each year, prized for their unique flavor. By the 1960s, production declined, but the community ensured the tradition would live on through the festival.

From Lions Club Idea to Beloved Tradition

In 1969, the Winston-Dillard Lions Club organized the first Melon Festival, featuring a parade, carnival, horse shows, contests, and evening dances. Since then, it has grown into a cornerstone event for the Winston area and a celebration that connects generations.

What’s Happening in 2025

The 56th Melon Festival will take place September 19–21, 2025 at Riverbend Park. Admission is free, and the event includes food and craft vendors, kids’ activities, a car show, and local entertainment.

Live Music

  • Friday: Strange Birdz
  • Saturday: Trip Wire
  • Sunday: Borrowed Time

Special Events

  • Parade: Saturday, September 20 at 11:00 a.m. through downtown Winston (registration at 10:00 a.m.)
  • Senior Bingo
  • The Talent Show
  • Mud Volleyball on Saturday

Contests & Games

  • Kid Games and Sack Races
  • Watermelon Eating Contest
  • Cantaloupe Roll
  • Men’s Knees Contest
  • Frozen T-Shirt Contest
  • And much more throughout the weekend

Easier Vendor Participation

This year’s festival features more unique vendors than ever, and organizers are still accepting more. General vendors no longer need insurance—only a signed waiver—while food, weapons, and activity vendors must still provide insurance. This makes participation more accessible for small businesses and first-time vendors.

Why People Return Every Year

  • Tradition Meets Freshness: Decades of heritage mixed with new attractions.
  • Family Fun: From parades to sack races, bingo to volleyball, there’s something for everyone.
  • Local Flavor: Craft vendors, food booths, and live music every day.
  • Community Spirit: Proceeds support year-round events like Winston’s Christmas tree lighting.

A Festival with Heart

From its beginnings in 1969 to today, the Winston-Dillard Melon Festival remains a symbol of community pride and togetherness. Whether you come for the parade, the contests, or simply a sweet slice of melon, this 56th year promises fun for all ages.

Save the date: September 19–21, 2025, at Riverbend Park in Winston.

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