While Cleveland is a fantastic city for entertainment, sometimes you just crave a visit to small-town festivities. There’s nothing like a trip to a small town during festival season, especially if that festival focuses on Ohio’s sweetest crop… that’s right, we’re talking about the watermelon! Just 13 miles outside of Cedar Point is a petite village with a watermelon festival that’s a big deal, and it’s too close to home to pass up. As they say, fried chicken is mighty fine but there’s nothing quite as nice as a watermelon vine.

Milan is a quaint village with ties in Erie and Huron Counties.
Chris Light/Wikimedia Commons
With a population of only around 1,400 residents, this tiny village is easy to overlook. It achieved fame as the birthplace of Thomas Edison, but in recent years, it has earned a new sort of fame...
For the last six decades, Milan (which is located just an hour from Cleveland) has celebrated the Milan Melon Festival, drawing melon aficionados from all over the state.
Milan Melon Festival Committee/Facebook
Prepare your taste buds for muskmelon ice cream, because that's one of the most raved about specialties offered at this quirky festival.
Marco Verch Professional Photographer and Speaker/Flickr
You'll find an abundance of watermelon flavored and themed goodies everywhere you look over the course of this celebration.
During this event, the charming Milan Square area transforms into a summertime wonderland.
Village of Milan/Facebook

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Milan Melon Festival Committee/Facebook
All the accouterments of a good street fair make an appearance at this event – rides, games, competitions, and, of course, food galore.
Typically held on Labor Day weekend, this fun festival offers free admission and something for the whole family to enjoy.
Village of Milan/Facebook
The parade delights visitors of all ages, and parents swoon and coo over the Beautiful Baby Contest.
Melon Man/Facebook
There's also a car show and live entertainment, and that's all in addition to the super fun street fair-style layout of the festival.
Arts, crafts, and competitions galore ensure melons are respected as the artistic mediums they deserve to be.
Milan Melon Festival Committee/Facebook
This event runs Saturday, August 31 through Monday, September 2, 2019. Mark your calendar, because this quirky small-town event is one you don't want to miss.
An abundance of melon-themed fun ensures you'll have the sweetest summer yet!
Sam valadi Follow/Flickr
Nothing's better than Ohio grown melons, especially in the heat of late summer. Bring your appetite and some sunscreen, because this sweet event can't be missed!

Ohio summer is so much sweeter when paired with watermelons. Have you ever visited this enchanting small-town watermelon festival? Will you be there this year? Let us know in the comments below!

If you enjoy small-town festivals, consider swinging by Circleville’s Pumpkin Show once autumn rolls around.

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