Make time for Melon Fest

MILAN — Whether it's to watch one of many planned performances, partake in the grand parade or scarf down on special ice cream, there are plenty of reasons to visit a time-honored local end-of-summer tradition. The ever-popular Milan Melon Festival returns this coming weekend. Several fan-favorite events and well-liked entertainers take the stage from Saturday to Monday on Milan Village Square. People can also expect vendors, rides and games to line the block. And, yes, the high-in-demand Toft Dairy-produced cantaloupe ice cream and watermelon sherbet will be available for purchase. As in recent years, the festival opens up on Friday night with select food vendors ready to serve customers. Many of the proceeds benefit Edison Schools' extracurriculars. Edison students are involved in running booths for various school programs, which include selling ice cream. Plus local businesses located in and around the square benefit from the massive influx of people visiting the quaint village. "It takes a village to plan the Melon Festival each year, but, in Milan, we have a strong community that helps make it possible," said Amanda Richards, the festival's queens director, noting this yearly festival's origins date back to 1958. "We're looking forward to seeing everyone on the Milan Town Square this weekend." Want to go? Here's a look at some notable events happening each day. People can visit facebook.com/milanmelonfestival for more information. All events take place at the main stage, within Milan Village Square, unless otherwise noted Friday 6-10 p.m. — Select food vendors open Saturday • 8-9:45 a.m. — Baby contest registration at information booth; The contest starts at 10 a.m. • 8-11 a.m. — Pancake breakfast at St. Anthony Catholic Church • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Car show at A-Field, across from Edison Elementary School, with music by Acoustic Scotty • 3:30-5:30 p.m. — The ReBeats, a Beatles cover band, to perform • 6 p.m. — Edison band concert to perform • 7 p.m. — Queen's contest; Event will move to Milan Town Hall if it rains. 8:30-11 p.m. — Shine Like New, a rock and soul cover band, to perform Sunday • 9 a.m. — Edison Methodist Church service • 11 a.m. — Firefighters' chicken barbecue at the fire station • 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Jarett Burns to perform • 2 p.m. — Grand parade; Nick Georgiafandis and Denise Reilly to serve as grand marshals. The parade will go through Milan Village Square and down South Main Street up until the Edison Elementary School area. • 5:30-7:30 p.m. — Townline 26 Band to perform • 8-11 p.m. — Old Skool to perform Monday • All day— Kids Day; There will be various activities available for children. • 7:30 a.m. — 5K and fun run; Registration and packet pickup at Edison Elementary School; The Fun run begins at 8:30 a.m. The 5K begins at 9 a.m. • 9 a.m. — Registration opens for kiddie tractor pull, which begins at 10 a.m. • 11:30 a.m. — Edison High School cheerleaders to perform • Noon to 1:30 p.m. — Melon-Thon • 2-5 p.m. — Lance and Shannon of Rumours to perform • 6 p.m. — Festival closes