Messy, slurpy fun returns as Snoqualmie Valley Young Life hosts the watermelon eating contest for the 2014 Fall City Days. The contest begins at 1:30 p.m. at Olive Quigley Park.

There are four age divisions: 5-7, 8-10, 11-13, and 14 years and older Participants under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian present.

Entry forms must be received at the Young Life booth no later than 1 p.m., so that participants can be organized into their respective age categories.

Registration forms may be found at http://svyl.younglife.org. Click on the link to the Extreme Watermelon Eating Contest. Forms may be printed and returned to the booth the day of the contest. There will also be blank forms available for people to sign up onsite.

Contestants compete against each other to see who can finish a set amount of watermelon in the shortest amount of time. Hands-free eating is required and the watermelon has to be eaten to count. Completion of the watermelon is at the discretion of the judge. The winner for each age category will be awarded a prize ribbon and will be announced from the main parade stage at Fall City Days.

Participation is free, thanks to the continued sponsorship of The Farmhouse Market.

What is Young Life?

Snoqualmie Valley Young Life is a nonprofit religious organization reaching out to middle and high school students. Volunteer leaders spend many hours in schools, on the sports field or anywhere else you might find children. By meeting them on their turf, they begin to build authentic bridges of friendship.

There are many ways Young Life connects with young people, from the serious to the fun. And the watermelon eating contest? That’s all about fun! So come ready to enjoy some juicy watermelon, get messy and most of all, share in the laughter.

Oh, and one past participants recommends that if you happen to have a retainer, remove it before the contest.

For more information about Snoqualmie Valley Young Life and its fun-filled programs, stop by the Young Life booth at Fall City Days, or visit www.svyl.younglife.org.