At the Arkansas Valley Fair Watermelon Day 1906 Arkansas Valley Fair 1906 postcard Watermelon Day early 1900's Watermelon Day Early 1900's Watermelon Day Mid 1900's Valley Fair 1906 postcard Watermelon Day mid 1900's Watermelon Day est. 1920's Watermelon Day estimated 1920's The original Watermelon Derby The historic Watermelon Derby est 1950's. Horsemen are to take a watermelon and race to the Arkansas River with a watermelon under their arm and race back to win! Watermelon

La Junta is a small town located in the southeastern region of Colorado, near the Arkansas River. It has a rich history that spans more than 150 years, and has played an important role in the development of the state. La Junta was founded in 1875 by a group of settlers who were attracted to the area by the fertile land and the presence of the Santa Fe Trail, a major trade route that passed through the region. The town was named after the Spanish word for "junction," as it was