HERMISTON — A steady morning rain couldn’t keep Hermiston from celebrating its favorite summer treat.
Despite the wet weather, the 2025 Hermiston Melon Fest on Saturday, Aug. 16, kicked off with the Hermiston Rotary Club serving a cowboy breakfast. Musicians and dancers entertained the early morning crowd before the rain finally stopped and the fun kicked into high gear with several contests — all with a watermelon theme.
“It was a little scary this morning with the rain,” Hermiston Parks and Recreation Director Brandon Artz said. “But the Rotary Club had a great breakfast, and the people came out rain or shine and are having a great time.”
The parks department and the Hermiston Downtown District put on the event. The annual celebration of watermelons and community drew large crowds after the rain dissipated.
Omar Gonzalez came from the Tri-Cities to visit family and attend the festivities. He said the overcast skies helped keep the temperature unseasonably cool for mid-August in Hermiston.
“I’ve come to these before and it’s usually really hot,” he said.
The Pasco resident said he wanted to make sure to be on hand for the bathtub races.
“It always looks like a lot of fun,” he said. “It’s kind of exciting and pretty funny.”
The popular event drew a good-sized crowd cheering and laughing as the competitors raced up and down Main Street with one person in a tub of water and two people pushing.
Melon Fest also featured a watermelon seed-spitting contest, a watermelon eating contest and a watermelon costume contest.
KOHU played music throughout the morning, and Musically Unstable, a band out of Lexington, performed for the crowds in the afternoon.
Retail stores around the downtown area were open with many offering sales and specials for the day. More than five dozen vendors were on hand, as well.
Bonnie Logan, of Hermiston, said she tries to attend as many events such as Melon Fest throughout the year.
“I like seeing all the people come out, mingle and enjoy the activities,” she said. “It fosters a sense of community that sometimes seems to be missing these days.
Hermiston Mayor Doug Primmer, who took part in the seed-spitting contest, said Melon Fest is the quintessential Hermiston event.
“It encapsulates Hermiston so well,” Primmer said. “Good weather, a chance to support local businesses and people having a lot of fun.”
