Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm shares a look at its successful first watermelon crop ahead of the farm’s inaugural Watermelon Festival, set for Aug. 28-30 and Sept. 4-6 in Wheatland. Photo courtesy of Bishops Pumpkin Farm

WHEATLAND, CA (MPG) - Fall is taking on a new flavor this year at Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm, as growers welcome their first-ever watermelon crop with a festival dedicated to the summertime favorite.

“We can confidently share that this crop has exceeded expectations because these melons are ‘chef’s kiss,’” Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm said in a social media post. “We can’t wait for guests to finally taste them and celebrate this next chapter with us.”

To celebrate the harvest, the Wheatland farm will host its first-ever Watermelon Festival Aug. 28-30 and again Sept. 4-6, giving visitors an early opportunity to return to the popular seasonal destination. The festival will feature a lineup of watermelon-flavored and infused treats, including watermelon Dole Whip, slushies, floats, bread, doughnuts, lemonade, cookies and hard cider. Farm-fresh watermelons will also be available for purchase for $5 each. Parking and admission are free throughout the festival. All-you-can-ride wristbands will be available for $20 and include a complimentary slice of Bishop’s-grown watermelon upon entry.

Saturday and Sunday activities will include live music, line dancing featuring the “Watermelon Crawl” and a watermelon-eating contest for participants ages 5 and older, with prizes available. Registration for the eating contest is available online through a link provided by Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm.

The new festival comes as Bishop’s expands beyond the pumpkins and fall attractions that have made the farm a regional destination for generations, introducing visitors to its first watermelon harvest while summer temperatures are still lingering. Festival hours vary by day. Additional information and contest registration can be found through Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm online.