A group of us went to the annual cantaloupe festival in Ridgeway, NC. This small town in Warren County is only a few minutes drive from Ryan and Lauren's house in Warrenton. We met up there and drove over together. Our youngest member Darwin came along too!
After a very short tractor ride from the parking lot (ie. field) to the festival (ie. tents in a field), there we were. But where were the cantaloupes? There were two music stages - one was traditional bluegrass and other local rock and cover bands.
Some of us had our first taste of fried pickles, a Southern fair favorite. Dill pickles are sliced, coated in chicken breading mix and deep-fried, served with ranch dressing. There were also BBQ sandwiches and homemade french fries. No one dared to try the "bologna burger" that was mentioned at a couple of the local stands. Though Lauren did have a "tiger's blood" snow cone. But where were the cantaloupes?There were booths to celebrate local organizations, jewelry and other trinkets for sale, and some history about the Ridgeway cantaloupe - but nothing cantaloupe themed.
Oh yes, and Leah found a new welcome mat. Todd wasn't so sure....
Anyway, although the festival wasn't at all cantaloupe-themed (I think it's just their excuse for a party!), it was a lot of fun and a beautiful day to be outdoors. We finally did find some cantaloupe melons for sale by the volunteer fire department, 2 for $5 - so we bought a few to take home with us. I'm actually eating some of mine now, it's very sweet and delicious!
-respectfully submitted by Karin, on behalf of the group :)
