By C.L. Harmon Publisher

The aroma of fun is just around the corner. In fact, just a couple of weeks away and Boats, Melons & BBQ will be upon us. Mannford’s annual festival is Saturday August 20 from 10 am to 7 pm at New Mannford Ramp.

There will be events going all day for all ages from young to old, according event organizer Lisa Jenkins. With the back drop of live music from local musicians, attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy the car show, among other competitions throughout the day, (no entry fee). The line up for the car show begins at 11.

As for the children, there are activities to keep them smiling all day, Jenkins explained. Some of these include, Kids Fshing Derby, Money Scramble at 2;30 and Fish Scramble, which is like noodling for kids. Prizes will be awarded to the successful noodlers. Grease Poll Competition for the older kids and of course the Cardboard boat races. The line-up for that annual favorite begins at 4 p.m. and has a $25 entry fee. The race starts at 5.

In addition to crafts vendors, adults will also have the opportunity to watch the Pawnee Indian Dance Performances, and watch as the best of the best put their BBQ in the tasting arena for judges to savor and judge. The BBQ competition will be judged at 12 with award presented at 2. A new activity this year is the Green Country Gunslingers, which gives gun enthusiasts the opportunirty to fire wax bullets. The activity costs $5 for ten bullets.

There are 30 food and crafts vendors expected to offer great food and unique articles for those with the shopping spirit. Food vendors will have kettle corn, snow cones, BBQ, pie in the Sky and others.