Nothing says summertime like a delicious fresh watermelon.
Evidently, people around the nation tend to agree with me because statistics show that individually, Americans consistently consume around 15 pounds of watermelon each year.
But we aren’t stingy with our beloved watermelons, so we share them with the world. In fact, the United States ranks seventh in world production of watermelon, making it a $500 million crop for American farmers.
Believe it or not, there are over 1,200 varieties of watermelon grown worldwide, with colors ranging from the traditional bright red watermelons to varying shades of pink, yellow, and orange.
Personally, I think the only real watermelon is a big, sweet, red one from Mississippi. But not all Mississippians agree as to which color and variety is the tastiest.
In fact, here at home, the debate rages loud and long as to which Mississippi County actually grows the sweetest watermelons in the state. Be it a Royal Sweet, a 720, a Starbrite, or another variety, Smith County farmers are adamant that nothing on earth even comes close to their watermelons for beauty and taste.
Some people say the distinctive sweetness of these Mississippi melons all comes down to the loamy soil in Smith County; others say it’s just a tradition of family excellence learned and then passed down from generation to generation of Smith County farmers.
Whatever the case, people have been coming from around the nation since as far back as the 1920s to get a sweet watermelon from Smith County, Mississippi.
But if you are straddling the fence on the supreme nature of a Smith County watermelon, then make plans to attend the 46th Annual Mississippi Watermelon Festival that will take place in Mize, Mississippi, this weekend, July 19-20, at Mize City Park.
There, you can taste the Smith County watermelons, and see for yourself that it’s not just hype. These summertime beauties really are world-famous for good reason.
There’s also another good reason to attend the Watermelon Festival because all proceeds benefit the Mize Volunteer Fire Department. So don’t miss out on the fun offered by this two-day event on July 19-20.
To be honest, though, the good folks of Mize, Mississippi, have been celebrating for a while.
First of all, every festival needs a queen, so this year’s queen and her court were chosen back in April, in order that these lovely young ladies could host festival events from start to finish.
Miley Luper is the 2024 Miss Mississippi Watermelon Queen, and her court includes these seven winners in their designated age groups:
Teen – Jena Lowery
PreTeen – Natalee Johnson
Little – Lynley Arender
Petite – Maci Bruce
LaPetite – Sophia Tally
Tiny – Maisley Middleton
Baby – Hollyn Tucker.
Luper has spent the last three months promoting the festival’s events, which will begin with a 5k Run/Walk event slated (rain or shine) for 7 p.m. on Friday night, July 19. Then, on Saturday, July 20, the annual Car, Truck, and Bike Show begins registration at 7 a.m. and runs until 10 a.m.
Live musical entertainment will take place throughout the day, featuring a wide array of artists in this year’s Talent Showcase, including Karley Nichols and Josh Grazin. The festival will also offer a variety of food vendors, arts and crafts, and shopping, along with fun and games for kids and adults alike.
Plus, Mize native Mike Cockrell, from the Discovery Channel’s show Moonshiners will be at the festival, along with another hometown guy, Brian Easterling, owner of Lucky Town Custom Knives and Season 7 champion of Forged in Fire.
And best of all, Smith County watermelons will be the main attraction. So be prepared to eat your fill of this famous Mississippi delicacy!
For more information, go to mswatermelonfestival.com or check out the Mississippi Watermelon Festival Facebook page for updates on the festival.
