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The 76th annual incarnation of Mc-Dade’s flagship festival returned this past weekend with big fruit and bigger crowds.
Bastrop County residents and visitors from across Central Texas made the trip for this year’s Watermelon Festival. Amongst the packed streets and festival grounds July 13, summer holiday newcomers and locals that have been coming for years shared with the Courier what it is that makes the juicy day so special.
“I like the laid back atmosphere, friendly, low key. Everyone is participating and having a good time,” said first timer Eddie Castillo.
Nearly a century after its inception, the Watermelon Festival continues to grow – an inevitability that seasoned veterans see as a good thing.
“More and more people come, but it’s stayed true to what it is,” Angel Trevino said, Elgin resident of 60 years. “It’s always better with more people.”
The sense of community and true-to-Texas experience was a sentiment shared by many in attendance.
“I enjoy the crowd, the people. It really hasn’t changed much, for the better. The small town feeling keeps bringing people back,” Doug Peterson added, sitting beside his 1970 Pontiac at the car show, returning for the 20th year.
Beside the main stage, lineup of vendors and washer tossing competition rested dozens of vintage and custom automobiles for fair goers to admire. The smell of barbecue from the neighboring cookoff only added to the show.
Many of the show cars participated in the Grande Parade down Main Street beforehand, in front of a crowd of hundreds.
“I just love it, the best parade I ever saw,” said the young Lily, with a newly purchased scrapbook in hand. With District Court Judge Chris Duggan acting as master of ceremony, the fan-favorite parade lasted nearly an hour. Community organizations, businesses and traveling groups all took the time to partake in the seasonal stroll.
Watermelon is the star of the day though, and a switch from last year’s ticketed purchases to a standard one dollar per slice fee made cooling off with fresh fruit much easier.
The prize watermelons on display also drew attention, with the winning behemoth weighing in at a hefty 136.6 pounds.
As the sun became less shy throughout the day watermelon eating competitions saw contestants happily get a bit messy.
“It’s very rural, very country, family oriented. Kids are playing in the dirt, you don’t see that anywhere anymore,” Star McCoy said, traveling out to McDade for her first year.
Beyond the games, music and festivities, it’s the people that make the Watermelon Festival special each year, according to attendees.
“Everybody’s been so welcoming, it’s made an impression on us,” Jesse LeDesma added. “Outstanding, we’ll be back next year for sure.”
