chinchilla melon festival program · festival program chinchilla melon. ... melon farm tours ......

www.melonfest.com.au17-20 February 2011

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C H I N C H I L L A

f e s t i v a l p ro g r a mf e s t i v a l p ro g r a mf e s t i v a l p ro g r a mf e s t i v a l p ro g r a mf e s t i v a l p ro g r a mMelon

In 1994 with the Chinchilla community suffering from long term drought it was realised that the spirit of the stricken district needed a boost of confidence with a small band of dedicated volunteers forming a committee to promote Chinchilla’s dominant contribution to the Australian Melon Industry. (25% of melons grown in Australia come from Chinchilla!).

The townspeople of Chinchilla have built an impressive festival through sheer hard yakka, and that’s the reason why it appeals to so many national and international travellers.The Melon Festival Committee who are all volunteers work hard to make each festival fun and exciting and in 2009 received recognition for hard work and dedication.The 2009 festival won a Queensland Regional Achievement and Community Award for Events and Tourism.There’s back-to-back entertainment for the whole family with markets, a street parade, arts and crafts, a poets’ breakfast, luncheons, free concerts and loads more over the week.The 2011 festival is the 10th Festival and promises to be the biggest and best. The committee and the Chinchilla District look forward to your participation.

THE 2009 FEsTIvAL woN A QuEENsLAND REgIoNAL ACHIEvEMENT AND CoMMuNITy AwARD FoR EvENTs AND TouRIsM.

In 1994 with the Chinchilla community suffering from long term drought it was realised that the spirit of the stricken

Melon FestivalC H I N C H I L L A

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ContentsTrivia Night.....................................................................................................................................2Arts and Craft Competition.......................................................................................................2Art and Craft wine and Cheese Night....................................................................................3Melon Idol.......................................................................................................................................3QCwA Photography Competition and Floral Display..........................................................4Movie Premiere.............................................................................................................................420-20 Melon Bash.........................................................................................................................4Melon Farm Tours............................................................................ .............................................5golf Day...........................................................................................................................................5 Big Melon weigh In............................................................................... ........................................6Foodie Friday...................................................................................................................................6Red Tie gala Dinner.......................................................................................................... ...........7Bucking Beach Party........................................................................................................... ..........7Chinchilla RsL................................................................................................................................7Melon Rodeo.................................................................................................................................8Poets Breakfast............................................................................................................................. 8Make it, Bake it, grow it, sew it Markets.................................................................................8Melon Town Tours.........................................................................................................................9origin Energy Procession and opening of Festival...............................................................9Justine Clarke.................................................................................................................................9Pip spitting.....................................................................................................................................10sausage King..................................................................................................................................10Melon Dash for Cash..................................................................................................................10Melon skiing..................................................................................................................................12Melon Bungy..................................................................................................................................12Melon Bullseye............................................................................................................ .................13Melon Eating................................................................................................................................. 13Melon smashing............................................................................................................................13Pip spitting.....................................................................................................................................13Chariot Race.................................................................................................................................14Melon Ironman.............................................................................................................................14Family Concert.............................................................................................................................15Fireworks.......................................................................................................................................15Laser Light show..........................................................................................................................15Chinchilla RsL...............................................................................................................................15Poets Breakfast.............................................................................................................................16Bowls Day......................................................................................................................................16Combined Churches Celebration............................................................................................16Fellowship Lunch........................................................... ..............................................................16

Trivia NightProudly sponsored by Linc Energy & Chinchilla News

ChinChilla Cultural CEntrE at 6.00pmFirst round 6.30pmTeams of 10. Nominations $5 per personCome along and see how much you know (or don’t know!)

Booking Enquiries: Carissa Taylor 0412 905 276 Email: [email protected]

Art and Craft Competition

Proudly sponsored by western Downs Regional Council

Exhibition opEn to publiC from 14th FEbruary

The competition caters for most elements of the Arts.• art section - Representational and Non-Representational in any medium, Drawing; • pottery section - wheel Thrown and Hand Built; • Fibre Crafts - Patchwork and Quilting, Appliqué, Threadwork and Fibre; • Wood Work - Turned or Crafted; • Gold/silver smithing.

announcement of the winners will be held in Fuller place at the Wine and Cheese night.

> MoNDAy 14th FEBRuARy

Program of Events> sATuRDAy 12th FEBRuARy

2 artists’ bush retreat

Peoples Choice

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> MoNDAy 14th FEBRuARy

Art & Craft Wine and Cheese NightChinChilla WhitE Gums GallEry at 7pmwine and cheese Evening open to the general public for viewing.Tickets available at the gallery $10The opening will have a bar operating along with hot finger food.

> wEDNEsDAy 16th FEBRuARy

Melon IdolFundraiser for Chinchilla state High school P&C Assn

sEmi Final - sunday 13th February11.30am Chinchilla Club hotelCome along and enjoy a barbeque lunch at the Club Hotel whilst watching the Melon Idol contestants perform for a place in the grand final.your vote counts - so come along and vote for your favourite performer.

Grand Final - Wednesday 16th February, 6pm Cultural CentreCome along and support the finalists of Melon Idol. Melon Idol winner receives $1000 in cash, donated by Centacare and People’s Choice, $300 donated by Club Hotel. winners will perform at the Family Concert on 19th February. with a bar and barbeque operating, this is guaranteed to be an entertaining evening!

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> THuRsDAy 17th FEBRuARy

INTERSTATE TRANSPORT

QCWA Photo Competition and Floral DisplayqCWa rooms hEEnEy st 17th -19th February 9am-5pmFree entry. Devonshire teas available. Entry forms available from website

Movie PremiereProudly sponsored by Nolan’s TransportChinChilla ironbark thEatrE 6.30pm wine and cheese at 6.30pm followed by the movie at 7.30pm.

$20 per ticket

burlEsquE (m) (2 hrs) (drama)

bookings: phone (07) 4662 8031

20-20 Melon BashProudly sponsored by Rosebank EstateChinChilla rECrEation Grounds (under lights) Gates open 5.30pm, Game 6.30pmFeaturing 6 Qld Bulls Masters and local Chinchilla and district players. Come along for a great 20-20 night.• Lucky door prize • Bar and barbeque availableEntry Fee $5, children under 10 $2

Enquiries tony: phone 0428 689 147

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> FRIDAy 18th FEBRuARy

Melon Farm Toursvarious loCal mElon Farms

9.30am-12.30pmTours of local melon farms, see how it all happens. $25 per person, morning tea included. Departing from the Downtown Motor Inn.Enquiries: phone (07) 4662 7634

Golf Day - 4 Ball AmbroseProudly sponsored by Bee Mart

ChinChilla GolF Club

1pm shotgun start - $40 per teamA great day of social golf with a 4 ball ambrose to get you in the melon mood.Nominations close at 10am, Friday 18th February. Nominate early so you don’t miss out, as there will be a limit!

Enquiries: phone (07) 4662 7226 or 0417 783 593

ChinChilla GolF Club

don’t miss out, as there will be a limit!

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Foodie Friday ChinChilla Cultural CEntrE

9.30am - 11am healthy eating habits for kids run by brisbane markets

11.30am-1pm Junior melon Chef

1pm-2pm Cooking demo from Chef mick smith

EvEryonE WElComElunch available

Big Melon Weigh InProudly sponsored by woolworths

FullEr plaCE 3pmJudging of the giant and six most marketable melons. Biggest melon auctioned off at the Red Tie gala Dinner to the highest bidder.

prEvious WinnErs of the big melon Competition:

1994 Dennis & Jan Dickman (Chinchilla) 66.2kg

1995 Roger & Cathy Madder (Chinchilla) 55kg

1997 Ross olm (non melon grower) (Chinchilla) 57.5kg


2001 garry Marsden (Bundaberg grower) 72.25kg


2005 DK & CD Reed (Kingaroy) 83.6kg

2007 Bernie & Matt Davies (Chinchilla) 87.5kg

2009 Bernie & Matt Davies (Chinchilla) 70.6kg

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Red Tie Gala DinnerProudly sponsored by Harvest Co

ChinChilla palms motor inn at 6.30pmDinner and the Charity Melon Auction, auctioning the winner of the Big Melon weigh In. (Entry by pre-purchased tickets only). Enquiries: phone (07) 4662 8031

Bucking Beach PartyChinChilla Club hotEl 4pm - 1am$10 Cover ChargeDust off the board shorts and bikinis and polish up your melons for the Club Hotel’s Bucking Beach Party. More than 40 tonnes of sand will be trucked in to transform Railway street into a beach oasis where live bands, a DJ and the team from Rebel FM will host a party to remember for Melon Festival revellers.Patrons will be able to test their skills in the mechanical bucking bull arena and the ladies can test their best natural assets in the Miss Melons 2011 competition.with fantastic prize giveaways and entertainment til late, the Club Hotel is ready to rock and roll for Melon Festival 2011!

Chinchilla RSLbar - dJ John maCFarlanE until 1am (lock in from 11pm)

bistro - “Famous unknoWns”Buffet style three course dinner and show band “Famous unknowns”• $25 per person • Doors open 6pm • show commences 8pm• Pre-purchased tickets essential • Bookings 4662 7196

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The Bulls and Broncs are the stars of this action packed night of real outback rodeo entertainment. Featuring bull rides, saddle bronc rides and the ever popular barrel racing. Tickets available from gleeson’s Quality Meats, Foodworks and Melon office. adults $15 pensioner & student concessions $10 kids u12 free


Melon RodeoProudly sponsored by Chinchilla A & P Association (show society)

ChinChilla shoWGrounds • Gates open 5pm • action starts at 6.30pm

> sATuRDAy 19th FEBRuARy

Poets BreakfastProudly sponsored by Envision Partners

FullEr plaCE - 7.00am

Enjoy a hearty bacon and egg breakfast, while having a laugh with Australia’s top bush poets, gary Fogarty, Marco gliori and John Major.Breakfast served from 7.00am - 8.30am

Make it, Bake it, Sew it, Grow it MarketshEEnEy st and middlE st from 7.30amHome made food, condiments, arts & crafts and clothing and much, much more. something for everyone.

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Melon Town TourspiCkup From doWntoWn motor inn 9am and 1pmRelax whilst you enjoy the sights of Chinchilla. Maguire Coaches running tours of Chinchilla for $10.bookings & Enquiries: phone (07) 4662 7634


Origin Energy Procession & Opening of FestivalhEEnEy st 10.30amProcession starting at the top of Heeney street.Buskers, street entertainment and many floats.

Justine ClarkeCultural CEntrE 11.30am &1pm$20 per ticket (Children under 12mths free)Prepaid tickets available from Rural Insurance or Chinchilla Kindergarten.Tickets available on day.Enquiries: phone 0428 724 800

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Pip SpittingProudly sponsored by Cs EnergyLook for the travelling Pip spitting show!Heats throughout the day hosted by Cs Energy staff.Final at 4pm


Final at 4pm

Melon Dash for CashProudly sponsored by Alfred E Chave

hEEnEy strEEt 12pmTest your fitness in a mad dash for cash up and down the street. But there is a catch, you must carry a whole melon the whole way!

must have a registration band! must wear enclosed footwear!registration tent at Fuller place

Sausage KingbEGins 9am Wattle room - Chinchilla Cultural Centre

public taste testing from 9.30am (running all day), presentation 3pm

Experience the quality of products produced by the Independent local butchers in the outback region.

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Registration forms are required to be completed before you can participate in any arena events.

Registration tent is located at top north-east corner of arena.

once registration form completed and signed, an armband will be placed on your arm to allow you to participate.

Registration Forms

I F you ARE uNDER 18 , youR PARENT/

guARDIAN MusT s IgN REgIsTRAT IoN FoRM.

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Melon SkiingProudly sponsored by Black Toyota

12.30pm - 4.00pm requires: 1 person skiing on melon skinssquish your feet into watermelons and ski down a course of soap and melon gunk!

As hard as it sounds and hilarious to watch!

aim: to get to the end!

in thE qGC arEna and Grandstandsfrom 12.30pm

bar operating from lunch until latein the arena with onsite entertainment

QGC Arena of Melon Events

Melon BungyProudly sponsored by Pershouse Produce

12.30pm - 4.00pm requires: 4 peopleTeam events with 4 people attached to a bungy rope on the melon covered mat. aim: to reach your melon!

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Melon BullseyeProudly sponsored by withcott seedlings12.30pm - 4.00pm requires: 1 person with three chances to throw melons through a bullseye.

aim: toss melon through the bullseye!


Sponsors Melon EatingProudly sponsored by Fulton Trotter Partners4.00pm watch our sponsors eat as much

melon as they can with no hands!

Melon SmashingProudly sponsored by Chinchilla Newspapers3.00pm watch competitors try to smash melons, using their fist, to at-tempt to break the world Record of 57 melons in 1 minute!

Pip SpittingProudly sponsored by Cs Energy

Finals 4pmThe Cs team will introduce the selected heat champions for the grand Final. once the Champion has proven their worth they will have their name placed amongst our spitting immortals on the trophy. They also receive a trophy to keep and a cash prize.

Free Melon FeastProudly sponsored by Lind & sons Pty Ltd3.00pm Try a slice or two of Melon near the QgC arena.

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Proudly sponsored by Club Hotel4.30pmrequires: 3peopleThe competition will assemble their chariot from melon packing cartons, pallets and ready-made axles, they then race around the arena.Must have enclosed footwear.Draw for Chariots at Club Hotel on Friday night.

aim: to race the entire lap and not fall off.

Chariot Race

raCkEmann’s

Melon Ironman (nomination required on day at registration tent on oval)

Proudly sponsored by visy Board

assembled at 4.00pm requires: 2 people per team - maximum of 20 male teams and 20 female teams to be run in 4 heats.

A ironman circuit which contains obstacles, challenges and tasks which showcase the physicality of the Melon Industry has been designed.

aim: to complete the ironman circuit with one intact melon per team in the fastest time!

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sChool oval From 5.30pmFree family concert, featuring Adam Harvey, wolverines, Rob Black and finalist of Melon Idol

Family Concert Proudly sponsored by western Downs Regional Council Adam Harvey proudly sponsored by supa IgA ChinchillaFeaturing Adam Harvey, wolverines, Rob Black

Chinchilla RSLbar dJ John macFarlane until 12 midnight

FireworksProudly sponsored by vanderfield

sChool oval 7.30pm

Rob Black and finalist of Melon Idol

Laser Light ShowProudly sponsored by vantage Holdings

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Poets BreakfastProudly sponsored by Envision PartnersChinChilla musEum at 7.00am

Featuring poets gary Fogarty, Marko gliori and John Major. walk up poets welcome.Breakfast will be available from Qld Cancer Council from 7am - 8.30am

Tarong Energy Bowls DayChinChilla boWls Club at 1.00pm A relaxing game of social bowls to recover from the festivities, all levels welcome and bowls/melons are available. Individual or teams. Enquiries 4668 9536

Combined ChurchesCElEbration ChinChilla Cultural CEntrE at 10am followed by Fellowship lunch

Thanks to all businesses who advertised via newspaper, radio and television in conjunction with the

CHINCHILLA MELoN FEsTIvALA big thank you to all volunteers who have been so much a part

of this festival and the previous 9 festivals.

> suNDAy 20th FEBRuARy

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Town Map

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Message from The Premier of Queensland

I am delighted to welcome you to this year’s Chinchilla Melon Festival, which will forever hold a unique place in the event’s history. Chinchilla produces 25 per cent of the melons in Australia, however following the devastating floods earlier in the year, many of the district’s melon crop was destroyed. The people of Chinchilla have experienced tremendous hardship and I am delighted that their Festival can go ahead with support from Events Queensland. Chinchilla will welcome visitors from across Australia to experience a range of unique activities including melon skiing, melon bungy, melon ironman, melon chariot, pip spitting and the famous melon head smashing competition. Regional events attract tourists; fuelling the local economy and giving a tremendous sense of pride for the local host communities. Now more than ever, events will play a vital role in the recovery and rebuilding of our flood affected regions. Across the state, thousands of individuals, community groups, local councils and in some cases entire towns, put countless hours into ensuring their events are a success. As part of our recognition of the outstanding contributions of individuals in regional communities, Queensland week 2011 (4-13 June) will be dedicated to the heroes of the flood and the recovery. The state government will work with the western Downs Regional Council and other councils in flood affected areas to ensure we recognise those who played a significant role during the crisis and those who are now playing a role during the recovery. Enjoy the Chinchilla Melon Festival and I hope you will have an opportunity to discover more of Queensland’s great events in the coming year.

ANNA BLIgH MP PREMIER oF QuEENsLAND

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Message fromMayor - Ray Brown

From February 17-20 thousands of people from throughout the region, state, Interstate and Abroad will come together with locals to celebrate our region’s iconic Chinchilla Melon Festival.Chinchilla is known as the ‘Melon Capital’ of Australia and about one quarter of Australia’s melons are produced in the area. The ‘Festival of the Melon’ is held for three days in February every two years and the local community celebrate it in a huge way. whether you’re a local, a visitor or a new resident, there is a full program of entertainment and action aplenty in store. After attending the event for the first time in 2009, I personally can’t wait to see locals and visitors enjoying an event that features plenty of hands-on messy fun involving melons.The Melon Festival is a unique event and a wonderful advertisement for our region showcasing not only our primary production but also our community spirit. This event is always special because it brings our communities together to celebrate all the things which make our region so great.For those visiting our region I hope you have a memorable stay and I am sure it will be something you and your family will be able to reflect back on in years to come and fondly remember the time you spent at the Festival. An enormous amount of work goes into organising events of this size and I take this opportunity to pass on my thanks to all the local people who have worked alongside our melon growers in staging an extremely remarkable Festival. Again we will see the Chinchilla district’s locals and finest melon growers in Australia pull out all stocks for a fun filled three days. But what makes the Festival so exciting for our community is the influx of visitors it attracts and the quirky and fun events enjoyed by many.on behalf of western Downs Regional Council, I invite you to come along and enjoy all the fun and excitement of the Melon Festival which has become a ‘world renowned’ event for Chinchilla and district.There is no place I would rather be than in Chinchilla over the next three days as this event continues to grow and prosper.see you there!

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Message from QGC

QgC is proud to be a major sponsor of the Chinchilla Melon Festival in 2011. It’s a year in which the event, always an important part of the community’s calendar, takes on special significance.

Recent floods have had a devastating impact on many people and communities throughout the surat Basin. staging the Festival is a clear indication of the community’s indomitable strength of spirit and determination to rebuild.

we commend the organising committee for its leadership, perseverance and hard work in bringing together this special event under extremely difficult and trying circumstances.

we look forward to doing everything we can to make this year’s Chinchilla Melon Festival the best ever.

Please join us in supporting this locally-grown, internationally-renowned event.

we look forward to seeing you there!

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Message from Origin Energy

origin supporting the community.

origin is proud to be a platinum sponsor of the 2011 Chinchilla Melon Festival. Events such as this bring a special spirit to the region and we wish this year’s event every success.we are working with the community of Chinchilla to deliver initiatives that address the issues locals have told us concern them most.

These include:• Providing support, via community initiatives such as our Caring About Road safety (CARs) Driver Training and Community skills scholarships Programs;• supporting landowners with our dedicated, local landowner liaison team; and• Providing local employment opportunities.

our CARs Driver Training and Community skills scholarship Programs are helping the region’s young people to stay safe on the roads and develop careers in their hometown. over 850 people in regional Queensland have benefited from our drivertraining programs to date and over 50 from our skills scholarship Program.origin is proud to be a part of the community, and will continue to work with the people of Chinchilla on local initiatives because we believe that together we can make a difference. Don’t forget to visit us at our stall where we’ll be selling fresh watermelon and bottled water, with the proceeds going to a local charity. we hope you enjoy the 2011 Chinchilla Melon Festival.

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Message from Vantage Homes

vantage Homes is proud to be a platinum sponsor of the Chinchilla Melon Festival!

Having had an involvement in the surat Basin for the past 4 years and a direct involvement in Chinchilla for the past 3 years, we as a company - and as individuals - felt the effect of the recent floods.

However tough times don’t last, tough communities and people do! The Melon Festival is a chance for us to come together, celebrate this resilience and embrace all Chinchilla has to offer.

so let’s all enjoy this magnificent event, enjoy everything that makes this community so special - and look to what we believe is a very bright future.

www.vantageholdings.com.au

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Message from Chinchilla NewspapersAs a business that has been covering the current affairs, sweat and tears of the Chinchilla region from its pioneer beginning, the Chinchilla News is proud to once again be a sponsor of the Chinchilla Melon Festival in 2011.

Right from the start the Chinchilla Melon Festival has been about promoting not only Chinchilla and the region as a producer of melons, but also the heart of the area – the people, the businesses, the organisations that keep the community pulse throbbing. This internationally recognised event puts our little town on the map, showing the world there is more to Australia than the capital cities, and also portraying the true Aussie spirit that has been a key factor in the festival’s inception and development.

The Chinchilla Melon Festival committee is to be congratulated in creating a festival that not only reflects this spirit, but in doing so maintains a world renowned first-class event. The professionalism of the organisation of events and smooth flow of events during the week of the festival needs to be commended.

This year’s festival looks to be bigger and better than ever, and as the local media sponsor we are excited to be a part of such an event in promoting our community.

The Chinchilla News, like the Melon Festival, has grown hand in hand with the community in the region’s recent expansion of new business, industry and population. we look forward to continuing our involvement with the festival and its showcasing of Chinchilla, a vital friendly town.

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Acknowledgements• Chinchilla Ambulance Centre • Chinchilla Apex Club• Chinchilla A&P Association• Chinchilla Bowls Club• Chinchilla Campdraft Commitee• Chinchilla Commonwealth Bank• Chinchilla golf Club• Chinchilla Kindergarten Assn• Chinchilla Cultural Centre• Chinchilla Floral Arts group• Chinchilla Fire Brigade• Chinchilla Historical society• Chinchilla Lions Club• Chinchilla Real Estate• Chinchilla swimming Club• Chinchilla state Emergency service• Chinchilla state High school• Chinchilla state Primary school

• Chinchilla Polocrosse Club• Chinchilla Tourist Information Centre• Chinchilla white gums gallery• Chinchilla & District Cricket Assn• Chinchilla & District Melon growers• Chinchilla Rugby League Football Club• Coates Hire• DJ MacFarlane• volunteers• Queensland Cancer Council• R Health• Rotary Club of Chinchilla• st Josephs Primary school• sv & gM Maguire upholestry• surat Basin Homes• John Dingley• JJ Richards and sons Pty Ltd

Screen Sponsorship

Bar/Marquee Food Court

Entertainment Fencing

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Major Sponsors

Corporate Partners

raCkEmann’s

chinchilla melon festival program · festival program chinchilla melon. ... melon farm tours ......

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