All set about cleaning up McDade like never before and readying themselves to show off their town and the area's principal crop, watermelon.Thursday, July 1, 1948, marks the day of the 1st McDade Watermelon Festival. We'd like to invite you to the McDade Street Dance and we are kickin' our heels high & prep'n our giddy-up just for the occasion! Come on out & bring your 2step'n partner for some dancing fun with Kenny Orts& NoChance! Hempstead Commerce & Civic Association Watermelons have been consumed by humans for at least 5,000 years. Alamo Central Park, Alamo, TX 78516. Phone: +1.512.736.4302. The competition is very involved and each of the contestants had a variety of challenges to address as they participated in the event. Family Fun. Live musicians such as Luke Stroud, the Farris Family Quartet, Legacy Five, Shane Thornton, and others will perform Thursday and Friday. This spectacular family event offers two days of non-stop music, contests and entertainment, as well as, a pageant, arts & crafts, 5k run, antique car & truck show, tasty festival foods, tractor show, and a slice of, https://watermelonfestival5k.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=6063. Naples Watermelon Festival | Naples TX Prices increase Arkansas headlines delivered to you on demand. Since 1980, theyve invited the rest of the world to dispute or embrace the claim. We welcome you back for 2022 and look forward to sharing another great year! McDade Watermelon Festival All Rights Reserved. As National Watermelon Queen you get to meet with so many different companies, whether those are packers, or farms, feed companies and so you get a lot of job opportunities as National Watermelon Queen, said Johnson. Sunday, March 12, 2023, Franklin County Partnership Awards Banquet MAP Always the 2nd Saturday in July! 'Tis the season for juicy watermelon that's celebrated at the annual festival featuring this favorite summery fruit. E-mail: info@mcdadetexas.com. 1980 was one of driest years ever on record in Arkansas and most area growers didnt have any watermelons left when the festival was held, according to the Cave City Watermelon Festival website. Saturday, March 11, 2023, Daylight Savings Time Begins 1,634 people like this 1,755 people follow this http://hempsteadwatermelonfestival.com/ Festival Photos See all Videos See all 3:09 Themoney raisedfrom the festival each year continues to help our local school and offer grants to teachers to help their classroomsand a variety of youth programs. The McDade school had burned down in 1940 & school was being held in temporary facilities while a new one was being erected. All Rights Reserved. Hempstead, Texas 77445 Watermelon Festival Celebrating the huge watermelon industry in Knox County with some summertime fun - the 2022 Watermelon Festival will be on Friday, August 5 & Saturday, August 6 in Vincennes, IN. Please Click for more info & application. All activities except the parade are held at the beautiful Stockdale city park. . The contest was to be of one that would benefit & interest to the whole community. Talk Business & Politics is a news website that covers business, politics and culture in Arkansas. Box 16| Hempstead, Texas 77445 | 979.921.5095 | [emailprotected] Many were excited about the new event this year, the Sweatin Melons 5K. Box 16 With a crowd estimated at 1,000 the first Annual McDade Festival. Always the third weekend in June, the Jubilee is a refreshing slice of summer time fun. 979.921.5095 Gallery; Schedule of Events; For Vendors; Parade; . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. After June 15, and no later than July 8, booth prices increase by $50. Need ideas? You'll find live music, food & beverages. If you have questions about how you can get involved, want to know more about what you can expect when you come or somethin else entirely feel free to reach out. Queen Olivia Johnson is the 21-year-old daughter of Mr. Shelby and Renee Johnson, and in her lifetime she has been rooted in the watermelon industry through the sixth generation farm family of which she is a part. Years later, the festival continues to bring the young and old to the town of about 700 people. News? Todd Centre Contact us today to learn which sponsorship is right for you! Were so excited for this years festivities and cant wait to announce the official event schedule. They did establish a community tradition that has withstood the changing demographics of McDade. My dad definitely shed some tears when my name was announced, said Johnson. The 42nd annual Cave City Watermelon Festival is slated to begin Thursday (July 28) and run through Saturday (July 30). Website maintained by Vicki LeBlanc Media. Locals compete for prize melon status. This years Hempstead Watermelon Festival is gonna be one for the books! Deep down South in Alamo, Texas, cool, juicy slices of watermelon aim to slay the scorching Texan sun. 143 Bastrop St McDade TX 78650. https://thepressreleaseengine.com/Watermelon+Festival-lnid2022-6182-5994 Festival ; Watermelon ; Texas ; Hempstead ; Watermelon ; Hempstead ; Festival ; Texas ; city ; June ; 2022 ; The ; of ; 29 ; Hempstead Texas Watermelon Festival The air was full of high community spirit, a few clouds in the sky and a little sprinkle. Triple Nickel, with U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Jonesboro, is slated to open for the Bellamy Brothers, one of the most successful music acts from the 1970s and 1980s with hits such as Let Your Love Flow on Friday night. July 15 - 16 Downtown Hempstead This snack is $4.75. Click the button below to fill out an application, or submit the print application to [emailprotected]. First celebrated in 1937, the Stockdale Watermelon Jubilee is one of the oldest watermelon festivals in Texas. The pageant is very much in a job interview format, you do a speech competition, an interview with a panel of judges, a video interview, an impromptu question, a promotional wear competition and then an evening gown competition, said Johnson. Hempstead . This spectacular family event offers two days of non-stop music, contests and entertainment, as well as, a pageant, arts & crafts, 5k run, antique car & truck show, tasty festival foods, tractor show, and a slice of FREE watermelon! (ticket purchase required). Texas Farmers Market at Lakeline, 11200 Lakeline Drive, Cedar Park; Texas Farmers Market at Mueller, 2006 Philomena St., Austin. "FOR THE BETTERMENT OF THE COMMUNITY".This is still our motivation & drive, However due to the health and safety of all we had to make a very tough and sad decision in 2020 to announce our first ever cancelationdue to COVID-19 pandemic. She explained that as watermelon queen she will participate in promotions and events anywhere watermelon is featured which can include media, schools, festivals, parades, tours and other state conventions. 2023 Hempstead Watermelon Festival. "Lots of my friends in high school, and when I was younger, liked to refer to me as the 'Watermelon Queen' and now I'm the National Watermelon . Queens will be presented at the Watermelon Festival Opening Ceremony on August 19th. Come join us, we're sure you'll have a great time! The Hope Watermelon festival features numerous activities including arts & crafts, food, entertainment and other family-oriented activities. . A family-friendly event, the Hempstead Watermelon Festival invites folks from all over Texas (and beyond) to take part in sharing their food, products, crafts or services with our great small town. Box 16| Hempstead, Texas 77445 | 979.921.5095 | [emailprotected] How the McDade Watermelon Festival beganThe McDade Watermelon Festival is one of the most successful & longest running festivals in the State of Texas.World War II was over and the soldiers came home to the little town McDade. Texas Farmers' Market is hosting a watermelon festival at its Lakeline (Aug. 7) and Mueller (Aug. 8) locations. E: info@urbanmatter.com McDade Watermelon Festival . NOTE: NO ELECTRICITY WILL BE PROVIDED. As the National Watermelon Queen Im the promotional ambassador for the National Watermelon Association, said Johnson. 547 were here. Genetic tests show that watermelons originated in Sudan in Africa. Wander back here for updates on the BBQ cookoff, live entertainment, watermelon contests and more. Its ancestors had a white flesh and were not very sweet, according to Live Science. Public response was positive and spontaneous. The Franklin County Watermelon Festival began in 1981 and is the largest festival in Franklin County. P.O. The traveling is pretty consistent, but at each event it can go from a three day event, a one day event, I get to attend many different things that I have sponsorship for, said Johnson. Get Involved as a Watermelon Festival Vendor A family-friendly event, the Hempstead Watermelon Festival invites folks from all over Texas (and beyond) to take part in sharing their food, products, crafts or services with our great small town. The . March 1, 2023 - Shelby Countys own Olivia Johnson has received a national title as she was crowned the National Watermelon Queen at the 108th Annual National Watermelon Convention in Asheville, North Carolina on Saturday, February 25, 2023. This watermelon festival does just the trick to keep the heat at bay for the average melon-head. 2022 Miss Watermelon Festival Queen: Miss Sophie Hill. FOX 7 Austin 202 Field Street, Center, Texas 75935 Interested in being a sponsor for the 2023 Franklin County Watermelon Festival? 00 Day 00 Hour 00 Minute What will ending the COVID-19 emergency look like in the US? Given that I have worked at my familys local produce stand, Johnson Produce in Center Texas, since I was five years old and that I was the East Texas Watermelon Queen in 2018, and then Texas Watermelon Queen in 2022, this is just a great opportunity to promote an industry that means so much to my family and I, said Johnson. Bill Clinton attended as the guest of honor. Singers Wade Hays and Mark Wills will round out the live music slate on Saturday night. Wander back here for updates on the BBQ cookoff, live entertainment, watermelon contests and more. We are back in the saddle and excited to be hosting the 18th annual Fest at the Clarke . Join us July (to be announced) for a family-friendly event that's got something for absolutely everyone. Watermelon by the slice, live entertainment and an assortment of other activities will make you forget about that potential for third-degree burns. Shepherds Ford Productions has produced 25 family friendly music festivals since 2004. Info? 2023 FOX Television Stations, Global carbon dioxide emissions reached a record high in 2022, Florida man dies after contracting brain-eating infection from rinsing sinuses with tap water, Power outages possible Thursday due to high wind, damaged trees, Austin Energy says, Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued, severe weather risk increases this afternoon, FBI: Explosive found in bag at Pennsylvania airport, man arrested, Hamptons trailer park home under contract for $3.75M, Dallas mayor calls on APD officers to work for Dallas Police Department instead, Criminal gang receives 3K Texas IDs from DPS in cyber fraud case, director says, I didnt realize: Woman mistakenly eats heart-shaped chip that could have won her 100K, Watch: Fishermen spot sharks in huge feeding frenzy off Louisiana coast, Central Texas weather: Hail reported as severe storms move through Central Texas, Central Texas weather: Some storms early Thursday morning, severe weather threat increases this afternoon, Austin 'street takeover': Police release photos of suspects, vehicles involved in reckless driving incidents, 4-day school week: Rockdale ISD adopts new calendar starting fall 2023, East Austin theater hosts special show asking for help amid Amplify Austin Day, Another US agency assesses COVID-19 origin likely a Chinese 'lab leak': report, FDA approves combination flu-COVID test for home use, Governor Abbott gives 2023 State of the State Address, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson tests positive for COVID-19. Some history thatwas written in 1998for our 50th Anniversary on the Watermelon Festival in McDade. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Website maintained by Vicki LeBlanc Media. You can also sign up for daily e-mail news delivered every morning to your inbox. Thursday, March 23, 2023 Hempstead Commerce fair. Always the 2nd Saturday in July! CLICK HERE. Texas . Amended bylaws were adopted in 1985, stating that the proceeds from the festival will go to organizations that fall under the category of "For the Betterment of the Community".The Watermelon Festival organizers met their objectives with the 1st festival. Great Food, Rides, Merchandise, Entertainment, and Tractor Pull! city . Not only was there competition, but Johnson shares that a sisterhood was developed amongst those who participated in this challenge. PTA President, Walter Kastner, Vice president Adeilne Eschberger & Secretary Ethel Field along with the Home Demonstration Club, noticed a contest in the Farmer-Stockman magazine, in cooperation with Texas A&M University, called "Neighborhood Progress Contest" offering a $1,000 prize to the winning organization or group. Hempstead . "Favorite part? Unfortunately they did not win the Farmers-Stockman prize money, they did win a prestigious Honorable Mention. Enjoy booths with fair food favorites, live music, and arts & craft vendors. Hundreds gathered for one of the longest running festivals in Texas. Watermelon . "I get to eat watermelon," McDade Watermelon Festival Tiny Tot Queen Coral Miller said. For a complete schedule of events and other information, visit here. The farmers' market organization will share recipes for using watermelons leading up to the event, and visitors get a free slice of Texas-grown watermelon the day of the event. The farmers market organization will share recipes for using watermelons leading up to the event, and visitors get a free slice of Texas-grown watermelon the day of the event. We invite you tobring the whole familyand come enjoy the simple things in life and be apart ofour small townfun! . Times vary. Family Fun - McDade Watermelon Festival 73rd McDade Watermelon Festival July 9, 2022 Nothing Comes Between Me & My Watermelon! 2022 Arts & Crafts Vendor Info. Money was needed to furnish with metal chars. Im going to love it, I loved my time as Texas Queen and now I just get to do it even more as National Queen, said Johnson. To the left are 2018-2020 school years Teachers who received grants. Its believed that the African slave trade in the 1600s led to the fruit making its trans-Atlantic crossing into the Americas. See you all then! Kick up your heels & have a good time. From venues, restaurants, and bars to events, festivals, and music weve got you covered. Copyright Talk Business & Politics 2017. Home Demonstration Agent Lena Sturges was formed to gather the information required and entered the contest. P.O. 143 Bastrop St McDade TX 78650. The Hempstead Watermelon festival is a wholesome summer festival fit for the entire family. The past national queen, she did over 100 promotions and got to travel all the states that grow watermelons, she also got to go to California, said Johnson. Local civic clubs hold dinners featuring such down-home fare as locally grown smoked chicken and golden fried catfish. I just get to promote an industry that means so much to my family and I, and that I hold near and dear to my heart.. On the grounds, there are vendor booths, live music, a watermelon eating contest, seed spitting contest, washer tournament, bingo, and tons of watermelon. Shelby County Today News Online Other watermelon varieties were developed through the years and it became a popular fruit in Africa and parts of Asia. 29 . 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