Music, Tradition, and Community Spirit Shine as Cantaloupe Festival Approaches

As the festival nears its opening on August 23-25, organizers and volunteers are working tirelessly to prepare for the big event. Numerous activities are planned to make this year’s festival one of the best yet. 

Volunteers have become an essential part of the festival, taking on roles such as setting up facilities, checking in vendors, monitoring gates, scanning tickets, and more. This year is no different. Traditionally, family and friends of the Festival Board have filled these positions, often working throughout the weekend. However, in recent years, Cantaloupe Festival Executive Director Adrienne Snow has made significant efforts to build a volunteer program that the community can be proud of. 

Drawing inspiration from the Reno Rodeo, Snow has spent the last few years developing a system recognizing volunteers for their contributions and offering them opportunities to advance to higher positions. “They run that event flawlessly, and we want to do that here,” said Snow. “We want people to be proud of our event and proud of being a part of it.” These efforts have paid off. The event has been running like clockwork. All the behind-the-scenes hard work makes the weekend a fun, enjoyable experience for all. 

Music remains a highlight for festivalgoers, and this year is no exception. Dishwalla, Nine Days, and Eric Henry Allen will be rocking the house from the main stage on Friday night, while Ward Davis, Patrice, and Wandering Songs’ Steve and Raena will take the main stage on Saturday for Country Night. Additional acts include Metalachi, the world’s first and only heavy metal mariachi band, who will perform on the Pavilion Stage at 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 24. Michelle Lambert will also take the Pavilion stage at noon on both Saturday and Sunday. Also, check out Ziggy Groove on Saturday at 8 p.m. on the Pavilion Stage. 

Metalachi, known for their unique fusion of music, has captivated audiences for over a decade. Based in Los Angeles, the band has toured across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, performing at venues ranging from intimate local bars to massive events such as Heavy Montreal, Megacruise, and the Monsters of Rock Cruise. 

Michelle Lambert, a Pop/Folk singer-songwriter, has toured extensively in cities like Nashville, Los Angeles, Denver, and Miami. A Berklee College of Music alumna, Lambert’s latest single, "Come to Me," has gained significant attention, reaching number one on Indie Radio for four consecutive weeks. Originally from Mendocino County, Lambert’s music is heavily influenced by her studies in Celtic music. 

Festivalgoers should also make sure to greet this year’s Cantaloupe Festival Royalty, Queen Sofia Basurto and King Jahovy Lozano, who were crowned in April. The pair received $500 scholarships to support their educational journeys and will enjoy weekend passes to this year's festival and concert tickets. 

Ziggy’s Groove, also known as Fallon’s own Steve Koehler, performs all around Northern Nevada and Northern California. This 1987 CCHS grad solo artist, songwriter, and jingle creator covers seven decades of music across multiple genres. 

Pre-Festival Events:

The annual Fallon Theatre Cantaloupe Canter 5K will take place on August 24. The race starts at 8 a.m. at the outdoor pool at the 3C Events Complex, formerly the Churchill County Fairgrounds. 

Shows and Experiences: 

The New Agricultural Experience, set for August 24-25, offers a wholly redesigned feature that provides a more immersive experience for visitors. Attendees can interact with local agricultural organizations like FFA, 4-H, and High Desert Grange. “People will love it,” said Snow. 
The Cutest Little Cowboy and Cowgirl Contest will be held on August 24 at 10 a.m. in the Rafter 3C building, although no additional contestants are being accepted. 

The Car Show, hosted by Rustoration Garage, will take place on August 24. Check-in will be at 8 a.m., and awards will be presented at 2 p.m. 
Country Fair Exhibits: 

Be sure to explore the exhibit hall, where locals will showcase their talents in arts and crafts, amateur photography, canning and preserving, quilting, and more. 

For the full Cantaloupe Festival and County Fair schedule and event guide, check out the August 23 edition of The Fallon Post.