“Memories of Melon Days,” sponsored by the Thomson Sesquicentennial Committee will be presented Saturday, September 5, 2015, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the York Community Church, Highway 84, just north of the Heirloom Café, in Thomson, IL. There will be plenty of community fun, with free admission and McGinnis watermelon. Bim and Debbie McGinnis have graciously donated their delicious melons for this event. They are no longer available locally, so, this is a big treat!
Thomson has long been remembered for its melons. That tradition will be revived, as presentations and displays of Melon Days past will be featured. Bring your memorabilia and stories to share while you enjoy the incomparable melon we all grew up with.
This year’s celebration begins with the 21st Annual Min’s Mississippi Memorial Walk/Run beginning at 8:00 a.m. on W. Main Street. Friendly dogs are invited, and race-day registration is available. Contact Melody Wilkinson at 815-259-2209, or register online at www.GetMeRegistered.com/MinsMissMemRun. T-shirts are available as supplies last.
Babe Tipton is again calling the WCCI New Item Auction at 10:00 a.m. of all new merchandise and many gift certificates. Tipton Auction Service is located at 3001 Highway 84.
At noon, the Riverbend Antique Tractor Pullers will evoke memories of the days when tractors didn’t have cabs and air conditioning. The event will take place at the recently dedicated Curley Park at the ball fields.
The Heirloom Café begins its Harvest Festival at 11:00 a.m. and promises something for everyone: music, camel rides, magic, and prize drawings. Located on Highway 84 at the former McGinnis Melon Stand site, the Café has become a popular food and entertainment destination.
There will be a special presentation by the McGinnis Family at 2:00 p.m. and “Memories of Melon Days” recalled by Babe Tipton at 4:00.
A videographer will be filming the event. Dr. Art Donart will conduct oral history interviews, recording your memories of Thomson: Melon Days, ballgames, musicals, and unforgettable characters.
At 6:00 the Mississippi Valley Garden Tractor Pullers’ Association fires up at Curley Park.
The day concludes with Open Mic performances at 822 Main Street. Hosted by the classic rock band, “High Performance Audio,” the venue includes PA, drums, bass, and guitar amps provided by the hosts. Bring your guitar, sitar, or kazoo and join in–solo artists, bands, comedians, and poets are encouraged to share their talent!
Come and see the legacy of Thomson. For more information contact 815-259-3168.
The shortened schedule follows.
8:00 a.m.–21st Annual Min’s Mississippi Memorial Walk/Run, W. Main Street. Friendly dogs welcome. Race-day registration at 7:00- 7:45 a.m.
10:00 a.m.–WCCI New Item Auction at 10:00 a.m. at Tipton Auction Service, 3001 Highway 84.
11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.–Heirloom Café Harvest Fest. For details see TheHeirloomMarket.com.
Noon–Riverbend Antique Tractor Pullers, Curley Park. For info, contact Larry Smith, 815-259-5687.
1:00 to 5 p.m.–Thomson Sesquicentennial Memories of Melon Days, York Community Church, Route 84. Free McGinnis, home-grown watermelon; presentations and displays of past Melon Day events and Royalty. Free admission. Attendees and participants urged to bring memorabilia. For information, contact Luanne or Lawrence Bruckner, 815-259-3168.
6 :00 p.m.–Garden Tracktor Pull, Mississippi Valley Garden Tractor Pullers Assoc. Call Larry Smith for information at 815-259-5687.
7:00 p.m.–Open Mic at Old Starr’s Café on Main Street, hosted by classic rock band “High Performance Audio.”