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MCDADE – The 75th incarnation of McDade’s historic watermelon festival filled the streets with a full day of celebration and neighborly communion.
This past sun-stricken Saturday, McDade’s annual flagship festival drew in thousands of Texans, providing them with the town’s special brand of entertainment, craftsmanship and all the watermelon they could need.
“I’m not even typically a watermelon kind of girl, but every year I drive out here for this,” said visitor Steph Tejira, “It’s just a good time.”
Wate rme lon wa s the star here. Farmers proudly displayed their seeded behemoths center-stage, with the largest of the bunch reaching 170.2 pounds. Other more manageable melons were sliced and handed out to those who waited in line, and set aside for later challenges. Families gathered to watch volunteers compete in eating and seed spitting competitions, leaving sticky medals in the hands of the victors.
Months of preparation culminated in an all-day affair. There was something for everyone, attendees said.
Marathoners kicked off the event early with a 5K run, helping maintain the gathering’s tradition of donation. Proceeds from watermelon festivals have always been redistributed back into the community, dating back to its inauguration.
The old streets of downtown McDade led visitors to the festival grounds with a parade full of Texas pride and vibrance, watchers said. District Judge Chris Duggat acted as master of ceremonies, introducing and conversing with each float. The lineup was inclusive and diverse, including representatives of local athletics, businesses, family organizations and winners from county-wide competitions.
Rows of vendors welcomed everyone to the fairgrounds, highlighting craftsmanship of local jewelers, blacksmiths, woodworkers and chefs. Most everyone walking the greens had something in their hand, be it drink, fruit or souvenir.
Other entertainment included horseshoe and washer throwing tournaments, bingo, a lawnmower rodeo and a dazzling car show, leaving neighbors and strangers talking shop over the hoods of custom and historic showpieces. Sean Orr and his band of Texans set the mood with a honkytonk underscore.
This year’s rendition of the McDade watermelon festival went off without incident, keeping attendees happy and healthy with cooling stations scattered about and local police on hand.
