The Denver Days Festival is an unapologetic celebration of the heritage and traditions that have brought the community together for 30 years — watermelon eating contests, kiddie tractor pulls, car shows, demolition derbies, giant pork tenderloins, and lemon shake-ups.
Mason Rylands (left) competes against Aden Black (right) during the Denver Days watermelon eating contest Saturday, August 10 in Denver, Ind. Black placed first in the under-nine division, and Rylands placed second.
Liberty Spohn and Kara Wolfe near the end of their watermelon slices during the Denver Days watermelon eating contest Saturday, August 10.
Aria Musselman approaches the rind during the Denver Days watermelon eating contest Saturday, August 10.
Watermelon juice drips as Mason Rylands competes in the Denver Days watermelon eating contest Saturday, August 10 in Denver, Ind.
A player in the mud volleyball tournament serves the ball Saturday, August 10 in Denver, Ind.
A Denver Fire Department volunteer sprays water across mud volleyball courts during the Denver Days Festival Saturday, August 10.Parade participants wave at the crowd during the Denver Days Parade Saturday, August 10.
Alex Bracken is a journalist, designer, and photographer currently based in Peru, Indiana. He is a recent graduate of Ball State University, where he concentrated in emerging media and graphics.
