Here are 4 things to know about the Manteca Crossings Watermelon Street Faire

Summer is around the corner and so is watermelon season.

Watermelons, a petting zoo, a beer garden and hundreds of vendors will line five streets in downtown Manteca. 

The annual Crossroads Watermelon Street Faire is back on Saturday, June 3 and Sunday, June 4 for its 29th year. The free family-friendly event is expected to attract more than 40,000 people to downtown.

“The past couple of years it has really picked up as far as attendance and it's just growing exponentially," said Julie Reyes, event coordinator for the Manteca Chamber of Commerce, which organizes the event. "Next year, we're even expanding out to a different street to hold more vendors because we are sold out of vendor spaces. We need more room."

Their name was originally Manteca Crossroads Watermelon Street Days but two years ago it was renamed to Crossroads Watermelon Street Faire, Reyes said.

Here are four things you should know about the Crossroads Watermelon Street Faire before you head out.

1. There will be more than 260 vendors present 

With more than 260 vendors there will be something for everyone. From Manteca Avenue to Main Street, five streets will be closed to traffic for the family-friendly event. 

What should you expect to find?

“Pretty much a little bit of everything,” Reyes said.

Stop by a local vendor or an out-of-town vendor like Bizuri Ice Cream from Oakhills, Snowie Snow Cone from Napa, or Pineapple Whips from Oakland.

“It's just a community engagement event. Admission is completely free. We're supporting small entrepreneurs by giving them a chance to display handmade crafts (and) food," Reyes said. "It's just an opportunity for the community to come out and have a nice weekend to kick off the summer."

2. It’s watermelon season 

If you are looking to buy fresh watermelons or some refreshing watermelon Aguas frescas, this is the place.  

“Watermelons are harvested from June through September; this seasonal produce in California is best consumed in the summer and fall," according to Fruit Growers Supply Company.

You can find everything from whole watermelons, to a refreshing watermelon crawl, fresh cut watermelon slices or head to the beer garden for a watermelon spritz.

“One of the biggest contributors to the festival is Perry's Market," Reyes said. "Perry's Market distributes all types of fruits and vegetables. But they are known for watermelon."

3. Entertainment 

If live bands are your thing, then this line up is for you.  

On Saturday, “Retrofitz Band” and “A touch of Magic” will kick off the festivities. On Sunday enjoy the music of “Second Chance Bands” and “G’ypsy Soul.” 

Aside from music, at 2 p.m. Saturday there will be a watermelon eating contest inside the beer garden. On Sunday, there will be a car show.  

“It's a small town, but it really comes to life for this event,” Reyes said.  

For children, there will be a petting zoo, pony rides, and watermelon games at the kids' zone at the Library Park.  

“The vibe is very laid back,” Reyes added.

4. Miss Watermelon

Manteca residents can also meet Miss Watermelon Autumn Nava. She was crowned in 2022 by the Manteca Youth Focus organization.  

“We are very excited for this event and look forward to keeping this event growing in the future and adding more watermelon themed foods and beverages,” Reyes said.

Record reporter Angelaydet Rocha covers community news in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached atarocha@recordnet.com or on Twitter @AngelaydetRocha. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record athttps://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.