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Summer Favorite Watermelon Gets Its Own Street Fair
watermelon street fair
The Crossroads Watermelon Street Fair is Saturday and Sunday, June 4 and 5 in downtown Manteca.

Most parents don’t want their kids to play with their food.

But they might make an exception the weekend of Saturday, June 4 and Sunday, June 5.

That’s when the Crossroads Watermelon Street Fair rolls into downtown Manteca to kick off summer.

All 240 vendor spots have been sold. There is even a waiting list for an event that has become even more popular since it was moved from April to the first weekend in June.

That means plenty of crafts, art, knick-knacks, jewelry, informational displays, food, music, classic cars, sweet watermelon and more.

And it also means fun and games for the kids — including watermelon rolls, watermelon bowling complete with pins, and —of course — a watermelon eating contest.

The free games will take place under the shady canopy of the sycamore trees at Library Park.

Nearby there will also be free entertainment both days.

On Saturday, June 4, it starts with the band Double Shot from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Then it is Manpuana from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. followed by the Second Chance Band from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The lineup on Sunday, June 5 features Branches from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. with G’ypsy Soul finishing up the day from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

There will also be a boat and RV display plus a car show.

The street fair is both days from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

It takes place in the downtown triangle formed by Main Street, Center Street, and the railroad tracks.

Booths will line Yosemite Avenue as well as along Manteca, Sycamore and Maple avenues.

If you are from outside of Manteca it is easy to get to.

Either take Yosemite Avenue west from Highway 99 or north on Main Street north from the 120 Bypass.

There is plenty of free parking.

You can also take in the nearly three dozen downtown murals as you stroll the street fair.