GRAB A SLICE OF SUNSHINE

The past few weeks of heat have been a strong reminder that not everything thrives in high Texas temperatures. Molten glass and steel do well, as do cacti. Thankfully, so do melons. In fact, Texas provides melons exactly what they need to be their best – heat, sun, dry soil, and just enough stress for their sweetness. This weekend at the Dallas Farmers Market, return the love of Mother Nature’s warm embrace by filling your bags with the Big Four: Pecos Cantaloupes, Golden Honeydews, Sugar Queen, and Israel Melons.

The legendary Pecos Cantaloupe has been a Texas summer staple for more than a century. While Pecos residents were growing melons in their gardens as early as the 1880s, the fruit earned national fame in 1917 when local grower Madison L. Todd and his partner, D.T. McKee, planted eight acres of cantaloupes and sold part of their harvest to the dining cars of the Texas & Pacific Railway. Travelers quickly fell in love with the melons’ exceptional sweetness, and demand spread far beyond West Texas.

Less famous but just as loved, Golden Honeydew adds a sunshiny twist to melon season, offering a crisp texture and floral sweetness. Sugar Queen lives up to its name with juicy orange flesh, a fragrant aroma, and a naturally sweet flavor. And Israel melons bring a taste of their desert origins with a refreshing bite and delicate sweetness. While Texas is known for its historic Pecos Cantaloupes, these specialty varieties showcase how growers continue to cultivate unique melons perfectly suited to the Lone Star State’s long, hot summers.

The forecast for this weekend calls for sunshine with a 100% chance of sweet melons, so make the most of peak season with a visit to the Dallas Farmers Market and bring home a taste of Texas before they’re gone.

Sweetness of Family Fun

Being knee-deep in summer often means running out of entertainment ideas, but we’ve got you covered. This Saturday, July 25, and Sunday, July 26, Balloon Art by Bender is twisting unique creations and bringing smiles all day long. Plus, our Kids’ Activity, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., features a fun melon craft, and at noon we’re hosting a refreshing Melon Sorbet Tasting. Bring the family and make some memories at the DFM.

Melon Out with Live Music

Melons benefit from the heat. You may not. Please remain as cool as you are by grabbing a refreshing drink, a few light bites, and a comfortable seat, then chill out for a bit with live music from local artists throughout the Dallas Farmers Market.

Saturday, July 25

• 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. – Live Music inside The Market featuring Gloria (Violin)
• 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. – Live Music inside The Shed featuring William Foutz

Sunday, July 26

• 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. – Live Music inside The Market featuring Jade Nickol
• 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. – Live Music inside The Shed featuring C-Jay