The annual Fall City Days watermelon contest is all about community involvement — and having a big, red, juicy good time in the bargain.

Watermelon eating competition happens rain or shine, 1:30 p.m. Saturday, June 19, at at Olive Taylor Quigley Park. The contest is free to participate and is sponsored by Farmhouse Market.

“It’s getting back to the old days,” said Darlene Rose, a watermelon squad member and contest organizer.

“We wanted to bring back something from the past,” added squad member Susan Chamberlin.

Divided by ages, the contest seeks the person who can most quickly devour melons. The older you are, the more melons you have to eat.

“It’s pretty amazing,” Chamberlin said. “It’s very fun to watch.”

Watermelon eaters are serious about their chomping and slurping skills.

One regular winner routinely wears her past years’ contest ribbons — perhaps to impress the competition.

A drawing will be held at 1:15 p.m. to pick the 10 people that will compete in each category. Age groups are 5 to 7, 8 to 10, 11 to 13 and 14 and older.

Contestants must complete an entry form and bring it to Olive Quigley Park by 1 p.m. to take part.

Learn more about the contest or download an entry form at www.fallcity.org.