Heat Takes a Toll on Watermelon Festival

How hot was it this weekend? So hot that the usual crowds did not turn out for the annual Watermelon Festival at Sunland Park.

This was the 35th edition of the festival, which is the main fund-raiser for the Sunland-Tujunga Lions Club. Early Sunday afternoon, only a few dozen people braved the heat to go on the rides and eat the festival’s namesake.

The club charges no admission but raises money from ride tickets and prize drawings. In previous years, up to $13,000 had been raised, said Bill Petteplace, publicity chairman. But club members were doubtful they would reach that this year.

“We’re behind schedule,” admitted Richard Krueger, a club vice president.

But those who did attend seemed to have a great time.

“We do this every year,” said Kristina Lopa, 11, of Sunland, who was at the festival with her cousins. Her face was sopping from being doused under a faucet.

Diane Baker, who brought her two children, said her family looks forward to the event every year. “We come here for the rides and the watermelon,” she said.

Petteplace said one of the best things about watermelon was preparing it. “I sort of like chopping the watermelon,” he said. “You can take out your frustrations on it.”

The money raised at the festival goes to youth organizations such as the Boy Scouts, Verdugo Hills YMCA, Foundation for the Junior Blind and local soccer leagues. The Lions chapter also provides food baskets for the needy at Thanksgiving and Christmas.