Ideal summer temperatures and plenty of watermelon await those who venture into downtown Manteca for this weekend’s 24th annual Crossroads Watermelon Street Fair.

Manteca’s kick-off for a summer of fun is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both Saturday, June 4, and Sunday, June 5.

The high Saturday is expected to be 76 degrees. Sunday will be slightly warmer at 82 degrees.

All 240 vendor spots have been sold. There is even a waiting list for an event that has become even more popular since the free event was moved from April to the first weekend in June.

That means plenty of crafts, art, knick-knacks, jewelry, information displays, food, music, classic cars, sweet watermelon and more for the event being staged by the Manteca Chamber of Commerce.

And it also means fun and games for the kids — including watermelon rolls, guessing watermelon weights, watermelon bowling complete with pins, and —o f course — a watermelon eating contest.  Some of the contests will have watermelons as prizes courtesy festival sponsor George Perry & Sons.

The free games will take place under the shady canopy of the sycamore trees at Library Park.

Nearby there will also be free entertainment both days.

On Saturday, June 4, it starts with the band Double Shot from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Then it is Manpuana from 1 to 2 p.m. followed by the Second Chance Band from 2:30 to 5 p.m.

The lineup on Sunday, June 5, features Branches from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. with G’ypsy Soul finishing up the day from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

There will also be a boat and RV display plus a car show.

It takes place in the downtown triangle formed by Main Street, Center Street, and the railroad tracks.

Booths will line Yosemite Avenue as well as along Manteca, Sycamore and Maple avenues.

If you are from outside of Manteca it is easy to get to.

Either take Yosemite Avenue west from Highway 99 or north on Main Street north from the 120 Bypass.

There is plenty of free parking.

You can also take in the nearly three dozen murals as you stroll the street fair.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com