Event Details/FAQs

Here are answers to the most frequent questions about this year’s Melons for Moolah Watermelon Festival, Presented by LocalShops1. If you have questions that aren’t answered here, please email us at melons@melonsformoolah.com.

When and where is the event?

The event is from 3-10 p.m. Saturday, July 6, at Safety Harbor Waterfront Park, 110 Veterans Lane in Safety Harbor.

Is there an admission charge?

The festival is free! Children wanting to use the water slides will need a $5 bracelet, good for unlimited slides. The Safety Harbor Public Library Foundation also will be selling beer, wine, water, T-shirts, hats and sunscreen. Cash and credit cards are accepted. And, of course, our vendors and charity carnival game operators will have a change for their offerings.

What charities are benefiting?

Proceeds from the event benefit the Safety Harbor Public Library’s 20/20 Vision Campaign to outfit the new second story of our library with everything it needs to serve the public. In addition, there are elements of the event that will benefit additional Safety Harbor non-profit organizations, so thank you for supporting us!

Are we trying to break a Guinness World Record again this year?

We are so proud that the City of Safety Harbor set the World Record for “Largest Watermelon-Eating Contest” at last year’s Melons for Moolah, but it was A LOT of work to make that happen. We may look into attempting a new record again in the future, but there will be no attempt this year. But we’ll still host a watermelon-eating contest!

Is the event taking place rain or shine?

Yes! However, the safety of our participants and volunteers is paramount to us, so if the weather is so severe to threaten your safety, we’ll post news about any postponement/cancellation on our Facebook page.

Should we bring blankets and chairs?

Yes! There is very limited seating at Waterfront Park, so we encourage you to bring blankets and chairs and set up camp on the lawn. Beach umbrellas are permitted, too, though we kindly ask that you take them down at 7 p.m. so everyone can enjoy the screening of “Goonies” unobstructed.

Will medical personnel be on-site?

Yes! A three-paramedic team from Sunstar will set up a medical center next to the Blake Real Estate – Realtor Micaela Morenz Kids Zone, and will have an ambulance, a Special Ops unit, SUV and a Rescue Kubota to make sure any medical emergencies are addressed swiftly.

Are dogs allowed?

Yes, this is a public park and dogs are allowed if you follow park guidelines (dogs must be leashed at all times, etc.)

Will it be dark enough to see the movie?

Sunset is at 8:31 p.m. on event night, but city ordinances required all amplified sound to end no later than 10 p.m., so we must start the movie at 8 p.m. Our vendor uses a 10,000-lumens projector, and our computer modeling is leading us to believe there will be some shadows from the Safety Harbor Resort & Spa buildings that will help, but we appreciate your patience and understanding if it ends up being a little bit hard to see the early parts of the movie.

Where do I park?

There are a limited number of public parking spots at the northernmost end of Safety Harbor Waterfront Park, but there are 1,021 free public parking spaces throughout downtown Safety Harbor a short walk from Waterfront Park, including a public lot at the corner of Main Street and 8th Avenue. All brick spaces along Second Street South and Second Avenue North are public. Park and take a stroll through beautiful downtown Safety Harbor and visit our many shops, restaurants and bars before, in the middle of and after the event. Also, please consider carpooling, using a ride-share service or riding your bicycle.

Here is a link to a map of free, public parking in Safety Harbor.