Downtown Manteca comes alive this Saturday and Sunday, June 6-7, for the 2026 Watermelon Street Fair.
It offers two full days of free admission, live music, 275 plus vendors, 30+ food vendors, a beer garden, a Sunday car show, and so much more, all running 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Library Park and throughout downtown.
One of the highlights for families this weekend is the Kids Zone at Library Park (320 W. Center St.), where Manteca Youth Focus will be on-site with free activities all day long.
Kids can enjoy beaded jewelry making, coloring, Play-Doh, cornhole, ping pong, and more — plus scheduled contests including a Baby Crawl at 11 a.m., Water Balloon Toss at noon, Watermelon Eating Contest at 2 p.m., Watermelon Story Time at 3 p.m., and the Wally Watermelon Dance Party at 4 p.m.
Sponsored by the Manteca Chamber of Commerce, the Watermelon Street Fair is one of Manteca's most beloved summer traditions, and this year it comes with an exceptional class of youth royalty representing the best of what our community has to offer.
Crowned through the Manteca Youth Focus (MYF) scholarship competition, these six young leaders bring talent, heart, and a genuine commitment to service.
Miss Watermelon Street
Fair: Neriah Flores
Neriah is a high school student who tackles challenging coursework including AP Language and Composition and AP U.S. History, and describes her academic journey as one defined by persistence over perfection.
For her advocacy project, she raised $350 and collected food, supplies, and collars for the Manteca Animal Shelter, using social media and community outreach to spread the word. She is passionate about giving animals without a voice the care and attention they deserve.
Watermelon Street Fair
Ambassador: Marcus Ang
Marcus is a dual enrollment student completing a transfer degree in chemistry, physics, and mathematics through Modesto Junior College while still in high school, with plans to become an anesthesiologist.
For his advocacy project, "Fuel the Future," he volunteered as a chemistry lab assistant at Hart-Ransom Charter High School, guiding students through experiments and helping them fall in love with science. A gifted musician, Marcus also plays piano and cello and performs alongside his family at church services throughout the community.
Miss Teen Watermelon Street
Fair: Nikitha Muruganagarajan
Nikitha is a Sierra High School student, founder of her school's Red Cross Youth Club, and co-founder of Manteca Scholars, a program that has expanded academic competition access to more than 200 students.
Her advocacy project raised over $4,000 for the American Heart Association's 209 Heart and Stroke Walk, earning her a nomination as a Teen of Impact. She aspires to become a neurosurgeon and is already pursuing research in neuroscience with a goal of contributing to solutions for Alzheimer's disease.
Teen Watermelon Street Fair
Ambassador: Shalom Singh
Shalom is a determined young man who faced a challenge in math, sought help, and raised his MAP score by 30 points through hard work and consistency.
He has been a faithful MYF volunteer across numerous community events, from the Del Webb Dinner to the 209 Heart and Stroke Walk, always bringing encouragement and a positive attitude. He looks forward to connecting with families at the fair this weekend.
Miss Young Watermelon Street Fair: Charis Ang
Charis plays two instruments, competes in three sports, and dreams of one day becoming an oncologist to help cure cancer.
She founded her own advocacy project, "Pack the Future," collecting 81 school supply items and raising $640 for students who might otherwise go without. A four-year MYF participant inspired by her older siblings, Charis returns to the Watermelon Street Fair for her second year with a whole lot of heart.
Young Watermelon Street
Fair Ambassador: Lucky Siwal
Lucky — whose full name is Lakshit Siwal — is an academically driven student who qualified for Algebra 1 early and has earned 11 Kumon trophies in math and reading.
For his advocacy project, "Donate to Hope," he organized a community donation event that raised $750 worth of hygiene supplies for HOPE Family Shelters, managing all the logistics himself including a QR code-linked Amazon Wishlist. He is also an active Boy Scout with BSA Troop 423 and hopes to one day attend Harvard and become a software engineer.
The Watermelon Street Fair is free and open to the public both days. For more information, visit www.manteca.org. Keep an eye out for Wally the mascot roaming the festiva; alongside MYF's six titleholders.
Manteca Youth Focus is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in its 32nd year of serving youth ages 10–20 in the greater Manteca area. Learn more at www.MantecaYouthFocus.org.
