The Thayer Lodge 149 hosts its 40th Annual Watermelon Auto & Tractor Show on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at McLachlen Park under the trees on the west end of Main Street in Thayer, Kansas. Registration runs from 8:00 a.m. to noon, with judging starting at 10:00 a.m. The pre-registration fee is $15 and includes one commemorative t-shirt; day-of registration is also $15 but does not include a shirt. Dash plaques will be awarded to the first 100 registrants, with all pre-registered participants guaranteed to receive one. Awards will be presented for Best Modified, Best Original, Top 40, and Driver’s Choice. In celebration of the 40th anniversary, organizers invite participants to join a parade. For more information, contact Randy Studebaker at (620) 305-9777 or Ralph Studebaker at (620) 212-8981.
