Southern Byways

It’s Happening in the South…Watermelon Festivals

by Apryl on June 19th, 2008

Mark Twain is credited with saying “When one has tasted watermelons, one know what angels eat.”  Whether it’s at picnics, cook-outs, or in the refrigerator, more than likely you’ll find slices of watermelon. When you think about it, there may not be another fruit that represents summer better than watermelon. No matter how you slice it (pun intended), a juicy watermelon is a great way to enjoy a hot summer day.

If you can’t get enough of this fruit, celebrate it at one of the many watermelon festivals happening throughout the summer in the South:

• It’s not too late to enjoy Hampton County (S.C.) Watermelon Festival. In its 66th year, the festival is said to be the state’s oldest continuing festival. The events run through June 22 and include melon juggling, watermelon eating contest and free slices of watermelon.

• I-75 South in Georgia leads to the “Watermelon Capital of the World,” also known as Cordele, Ga. The 59th Annual Watermelon Days Festival (oldest in Georgia) runs through June 21. Events include a parade, arts and crafts and of course, a lot of watermelons.

• The eight-day Jefferson County Watermelon Festival in Monticello, Fla., end on June 21 with a parade, street vendors and more.

• June 26-29 is the 55th Annual Luling (Texas) Watermelon Thump. The celebration include live entertainment and a world championship seed spitting contest.

• The 52nd Annual Panhandle Watermelon Festival is scheduled for June 27-28 in Chipley, Fla. The event features live entertainment, art show and watermelon auction.

In July, don’t miss…

• Grand Bay (Ala.) Watermelon Festival on July 4
• McDade (Texas) Watermelon Festival on July 12
• Mize (Miss.) Watermelon Festival on July 18-19
• 20th Annual Watermelon Festival in Hempstead, Texas on July 18-19
• Pageland (S.C.) Watermelon Festival on July 18-20
• Louisiana Watermelon Festival on July 24-26
• Naples, Texas Watermelon Festival on July 25-26
• North Carolina Watermelon Festival on July 25-27

Happening in August…

• Watermelon Carnival in Water Valley, Miss. on August 1-2
• Cave City (Ark.) Watermelon Festival on August 7-9
• Hope (Ark.) Watermelon Festival on August 7-10
• 25th Annual Watermelon Festival in Richmond, Va.’s Carytown on August 10
• Russellville (Ala.) Watermelon Festival on August 15-16
• Winterville, N.C. Watermelon Festival on August 21-23 

Watermelon photos courtesy of National Watermelon Promotion Board.

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POSTED IN: Festivals, Fairs, and Events, Southern Byways, Southern Food, Things to See in Alabama, Things to See in Arkansas, Things to See in Florida, Things to See in Georgia, Things to See in Louisiana, Things to See in Mississippi, Things to See in North Carolina, Things to See in South Carolina, Things to See in Texas, Things to See in Virginia, Weekend Trip, road trip