The South Gibson Star-Times serves the towns of Haubstadt, Owensville and Fort Branch.
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1475090
ATV ride opens to Jeeps for more fest fun By Janice Barniak Star-Times Editor editor@sgstartimes.com The annual Watermelon Fest ATV ride will return this year, adding Jeeps to the ride, con- tinuing their decade-long tra- dition of raising money during the Watermelon Festival in Ow- ensville. The Douglas family hosts the ride and donates the proceeds ever y year. This year, proceeds will go to the Becca Ott cancer fight. Known as "Smokin' Hot" Bec- ca Ott, the Owensville graduate was diagnosed with cancer in December 2021, had her tonsils removed, then did chemothera- py, radiation and rehabilitation through the spring. The ATV run, which is open to Jeeps, UTVs and ATVs, leaves from Owensville's Mont- gomer y Park at 1 p.m. Saturday and will last two to three hours. The ride will have a game as- pect with first, second and third places as well as a prize for worst rider. The route has changed up and extended this year, but it will be all on blacktop and grav- el, and ver y near the river along the way. "We're just excited to have it," said organizer Pat Douglas. She said it's the perfect event for people worried about COVID, regardless of their health. "You're out in the countr y, far away from people," she said. "We saw 44 deer along the route. There are rabbits, heron, etc. You'll see just about any- thing." Owensville Body Shop is sponsoring a pork chop meal for the riders with baked pota- toes, sides, rolls and cookies. Registration opens at noon at the park. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS THURSDAY, AUGUST 4 4 p.m. Rides and booths open 4 p.m. Watermelon Tractor Show 4 p.m. Baby Contest opens 6 p.m. Little Mister Pageant 6:45 p.m. Lifetime Achievement Award 7 p.m. Jr. Miss and Queen pageants FRIDAY, AUGUST 5 4 p.m. Rides and booths open 6 p.m. Bingo and firetruck rides 6 p.m. Cornhole tournament 6 p.m. Little Miss Pageant 8 p.m. Guys Being Dudes SATURDAY, AUGUST 6 8 a.m. Watermelon Run and Walk 9 a.m. Children's 1/4 mile fun run 9:30 a.m. Parade Line Up 10 a.m. Kiddie Parade 10:30 a.m. Watermelon Parade 12-3:30 p.m. Watermelon Fest Cruise-In 12 p.m. ATV run sign-ups 1-4 p.m. ATV Run 1 p.m. Watermelon Fest Talent Contest 4 p.m. Lunch for ATV Participants 5 p.m. Bingo and firetruck rides 6 p.m. Not-So-Newlywed Game 6 p.m. Doubles Cornhole Tournament Guys Being Dudes being headliners Guys Being Dudes, a band with South Gibson roots, will play Friday night at the Watermelon Festival on the town square in Owensville. "We are so stoked to be performing this year on the main stage in our hometown's Watermelon Fest," said lead singer Dylan Coston. "It will be an honor to play for so many familiar faces and just enjoy the evening as a community!" Car show returns The non-profit Autocross Motorsports will return to the Watermelon Festival this year with their custom-made awards from noon to 3:30 p.m. Saturday at the corner of Montgomer y and Third streets. Organized by Jason Smiddy, sponsors include Owensville Auto Body, Davis Bros, and Taylor's Garage. Registration continues until 2 p.m. with awards at 3:30 p.m., and the entr y fee is $10. The first 100 cars get dash plaques, plus awards for top 25, People's Choice and Best of Show. South Gibson Star-Times Owensville Watermelon Festival Tuesday, August 2, 2022 D-3 Melons and motors