Are you a fan of watermelons and looking for ways to indulge in them? Look no further as Chickasaw Country in Oklahoma, US is hosting some of the most popular Watermelon festivals! From various themed festivals to pick-your-own events, there is an opportunity to enjoy a great day out with watermelons.
These watermelon festivals are great for the entire family and offer a variety of activities. You can enjoy a great picnic with your family, pick your own watermelons, participate in various competitions, and even shop for some delicious treats. There is something for everyone to enjoy.
Festival Summary
The Rush Springs Watermelon Festival is one of Oklahoma’s premier annual events and has been taking place since August 1948. Visitors to the festival can expect a variety of watermelon-themed activities, carnival rides, and family-friendly entertainment. With up to 50,000 pounds of juicy, ripe melon served each year and over 20,000 visitors, this festival is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Highlights include a seed-spitting contest, an arts and craft fair, carnival rides, live music, a prize melon auction, and of course, plenty of free watermelon slices. In 2023, it’s going to happen on August 12, 2023 (Saturday).
Plus, the festival features the annual Watermelon Queen, chosen in May and attending the parade and other activities throughout the festival. Don’t miss out on the Rush Springs Watermelon Festival this August – it’s sure to be an event to remember!
In 2023 except the date, other festival detail information has not been released. This article is based on 2022 information so you can know what you can expect from this festival!
History of this event
Rush Springs, known as the “World’s Watermelon Capital,” hosts the annual Watermelon Festival every second Saturday of August, celebrating the local seasonal watermelon harvest with an array of enjoyable, family-friendly activities. Since its inception in 1948, the festival has continuously attracted over 20,000 visitors each year, highlighting the importance of the watermelon industry in the region.
The festivities include the crowning of a “Watermelon Queen,” who is selected in May. As part of her duties, the queen engages in the lively parade and partakes in numerous activities throughout the event. With a rich history and a strong community spirit, the Rush Springs Watermelon Festival brings together local farmers, residents, and visitors to commemorate the area’s watermelon heritage.
Discovering the Basics: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
No tickets are needed to access the Rush Springs Watermelon Festival, making it a great way to enjoy a day out with the family without a hefty price tag.
In 2023, Rush Springs Watermelon Festival is happening on August 12, 2023 (Saturday). The festival is usually free to attend. Opening time in the past for the festival is 7:30am, and activities and attractions include live entertainment, a seed-spitting contest, carnival rides, an arts and crafts fair, an automotive show and plenty of delicious watermelon treats.
Will I get to eat watermelon during the festival?
A resounding YES! The Fruit Festival is a watermelon lover’s paradise. Each year, local melon growers proudly showcase their most impressive watermelons for everyone to enjoy. Mark your calendar for the prime time to savor these juicy delights: free slices will be handed out at 4 p.m., while a modest $1.00 fee applies before that hour.
Prepare to be astounded by the sheer volume of watermelon available. As a fun fact, the festival offers an astonishing 40 to 50 thousand pounds of watermelon completely free of charge! So, get ready to indulge in this refreshing summer treat.
Watermelon Queen and Activities
One of the most anticipated highlights of the Fruit Festival is the enchanting “Watermelon Queen.” Chosen in May, the queen graces the parade and various activities during the festival. In 2022, the Rush Springs Watermelon Queen was Taylor Abbott.
The selection of a Watermelon Queen begins with a young girl’s dream, inspired by the queens before her. Candidates engage with the community, seeking support and selling tickets. On Queen Night, attendees cast their votes, and a panel of judges contributes to the decision. From her crowning to the festival, the queen has a busy summer promoting the event through parades, appearances, and media interviews on Radio and TV.
Last year, the watermelon festival was on August 13th, however, art and craft shows, carnival started on August 11th! The Fruit Festival promises a lively atmosphere with entertainment provided by Autumn Coleman, Aaron Chesnut, and Trinity Horton. Witness the coronation of the Watermelon Queen by Lt. Gov. Pinnell and the announcement of Tiny Tot winners. Enjoy the watermelon seed spitting contest, performances by Victory Fellowship Praise Band, Elvis Tribute artist Brian Lee Dunning, and Malissa Johnson. Parade was happening one day before the festival day on August 12th starting 5pm in downtown Rush Springs.
Don’t miss the auction of prize melons, free watermelon feed, and feature entertainment by Von Hawks Rising. The day is packed with a 10K run, 5K run, and antique car, tractor, motorcycle, and hot rod show, alongside prize melon exhibits .
Parking & Shuttle Service
The Rush Springs Watermelon Festival takes place every August at Jeff Davis Park in Rush Springs, Oklahoma. Located on East Main Street, the park is easy to access by car, and there is free parking available in the football field. There will be a shuttle service available between the football field and the festival grounds, allowing visitors to easily navigate the park and get to the activities they’re looking for.
Be sure to look out for the festival local church vans and golf carts on the streets, they are available to help transport you to the park with ease
Three Things you should know before you go!
Mark your calendars for the 78th annual Rush Springs Watermelon Festival on August 12, 2023 on Saturday! In the past, the opening hour of the festival is around 9am. This is going to be held at Jeff Davis Park on East Main Street in Rush Springs, Oklahoma. You can park at the football fields and taking the shuttle down to the Watermelon Festival.
Usually there will be parade, art & craft shows, carnival happening before the festival date, please make sure you check their official site for more information.