The California Watermelon Festival brings a slice of summer to the San Fernando Valley

The sweet taste of summer is coming to Lake View Terrace with the return of the widely popular California Watermelon Festival.

The June 22 and 23 festival is basically a watermelon wonderland where fans of the big green juicy fruit can indulge themselves in all things watermelon.

“It’s really celebrating and kicking off the summer in a refreshing way, and most people love getting refreshed with watermelon,” said Alexandra Fuentes, one of the festival co-organizers.

Thousands of watermelon lovers are expected at the festival, which is taking place at the Hansen Dam Recreation Area. The festival includes live bands, DJs, a petting zoo, a carnival and of course, watermelons.

Here are some of the things you can expect at the festival.

Free all-you can eat watermelon

A tradition of the festival is the free all-you-can eat watermelon that’s available for all those who attend. More than 100,000 watermelons are purchased for the event so there is plenty to go around. “As you come in everyone is greeted with a slice of watermelon. Everyone gets free watermelons all day,” Fuentes said.

Watermelon-inspired food

There’s more than just slices of the fruit to grub on since all the food vendors are required to infuse it into their cuisines. So expect dishes like watermelon ceviche, which is ceviche served in a watermelon bowl. There’s also deep-fried watermelon, watermelon fish tacos, watermelon tamales, pupusas and even barbecue.

“The barbecue vendor will be using a barbecue sauce with a watermelon fusion barbecue sauce. And they also grill the watermelon slices,” she said.

Hard fruity drinks

With food comes the drinks, and there are plenty of watermelon-based drinks planned for the festival. They include watermelon micheladas, a Jack Daniels watermelon punch and non-alcoholic drinks like aguas frescas.

Watermelon cosplay

Don’t freak out if you see watermelons walking around, because those are just people competing in the costume contest. People come dressed as watermelon slices, or as the full green fruit and expect to see a lot of little watermelons walking around too since there will be plenty of kids in costumes.

Art

It’s not just pumpkins that can be carved into works of art because watermelons make great canvases too. The festival will feature intricate watermelon carvings displaying faces, flowers and even video game characters.

California Watermelon Festival

When: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.  June 22- 23

Where: Hansen Dam Soccer Fields, 11480 Foothill Blvd., Lakeview Terrace

Tickets: $20 for adults, $16 for children ages 5-12

Information: watermelonfest.org