BREMERTON — In honor of the Kitsap County Fair, The Salvation Army in Bremerton will host a barbecue and no-hands watermelon-eating contest on Aug. 22.

“Many of the guests at our weekday meals cannot afford to go to the county fair,” said Major Jim Baker, director of the local social services agency. “So we decided to bring a little of the fun of the fair to them.”

At noon, people will come for their usual noon meal, but on Friday it will be outside in the Salvation Army parking lot on 7th Street near Warren Avenue in downtown Bremerton. Not only will they enjoy hamburgers and hotdogs, but those who sign up will compete in a no-hands watermelon-eating contest. The top three winners will be allowed to choose food items from The Salvation Army’s food bank.

There will also be a target-shooting contest. Foam darts will be shot from air guns at a basket. The top three winners will also choose food items from The Salvation Army’s food bank.

Salvation Army staff member Sheryl Piercy will offer face-painting for children.

The Salvation Army serves an average of 172 meals – breakfast and lunch – every weekday. In the past 12 months, it has served more than 43,000 meals, a 10 percent increase over the previous 12 months. Baker attributes the rise to federal sequestration and a cut in food stamps. He also blames a general rise in food prices.

“The poor are getting poorer,” he said.

For more information, contact Baker at 360-373-5550.