Watermelon eating contest

The New Buffalo Ship & Shore Festival began as a small arts and crafts fair 26 year ago.   Since then, it has evolved into an annual, three-day, signature event in downtown New Buffalo Aug. 13-15.

Presented by Four Winds Casino and the New Buffalo Business Association, Ship & Shore Festival is a unique summertime tradition on Whittaker Street, where the road is closed to vehicles but opened to everyone in the community for arts, crafts, games, live music and more.

The event is perfect for the entire family, whereby kids will enjoy competing in the watermelon eating or ice-cream eating contests, getting face-paintings or playing carnival games.

Parents can browse the artistry of local arts-and-craft vendors while sipping on varietals from Round Barn Winery and Free Run Cellars as they showcase mouthwatering micro-brews, sangria and regional wines. Food vendors will include a wide range of cuisines from burgers to Greek to barbecue.

One of the most beloved family-favorite elements of the fest is the Lighted Boat Parade and fireworks display on Saturday evening, where participants transform their floating pleasure boats, cruisers and yachts into illuminated spectacles. Immediately following the parade, Casey’s Bar and Grill is presenting a fireworks show over the lake, with a suggested donation of only $5 for admission.

Visit www.newbuffalo.org for the latest information or call (773) 791-1809. Festival hours are Friday, Aug. 13 from 5 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, Aug. 14 from 11 a.m. to midnight; and Sunday, Aug. 15 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.