The Watermelon Carnival is Water Valley's most prized annual celebration. An estimated 20,000 people attend the various events, always set the first weekend in August. The carnival is named among the top 20 festivals in the southeastern United States by the Southeastern Tourism Society.
The first carnival was held on Thursday, August 27, 1931. At that time, the entire nation was in the grip of the depression. In Water Valley, a bank had failed, the railroad had pulled out, and unemployment was high. Local businessmen were concerned about the spirit of the townspeople, so they decided to host a carnival to boost morale.
The Watermelon Carnival consisted of a parade, a pageant to name the carnival queen, and a formal ball. Festivities were repeated for nine consecutive years, and then halted with the outbreak of World War II. The Watermelon Carnival lay in dormancy until 1980.
Today, the Watermelon Carnival is a full-fledged weekend celebration. For many people, it's a time for coming home to be with family and to enjoy reunions with school classmates. Each Year, events kick off Thursday evening with a music festival at the Civic Auditorium. Then on Friday, a Street Dance draws crowds to Main Street and City Park. All day Saturday, continuous entertainment, food vendors, arts and crafts booths, contests, parades, an antique car show, and a 3k run are set up in the park and at various downtown locations along Main Street.
Watermelon Carnival
Watermelon Carnival 2009
Nationally aclaimed vocalist and composer Effie Burt headlined Thursday's Watermelon Music Festival sponsored by Town and Country Garden Club.
The John Wayne Casserole Gange was back for their second year at the Music Festival.
Watermelon Queen Austin Brooke Mills received a bouquet from Tiny Mister Gabriel Logan Smith during the introduction of the Watermelon Court Thursday night at the Music Festival.
Chamber Predident Bennett Hill welcomed everyone to the 40th Watermelon Carnival during the Music Festival Thursday night.
Watermelon Queen Whitney Hodge at the Music Festival.
The North Mississippi Regional Art Exhibit, held annually in conjunction with the Watermelon Carnival ended Sunday at Bozarts Gallery on Main Street.
Jim Brown crosses the finish line first in the Mechanics Bank run.
Winners in the watermelon run include (from left) female walker Jann Davis and Female runner Witney Ray. Dr. Tom Holden was the fastest male walker and Jim Brown was the overall winner.
Water Valley First Lady Mrs. Betty Hart opened Saturday's festivities with the National Anthem
Watermelon Court
The annual car show at Shuffield Park
Top: First time vendor Janice Crow of Water Valley set up her booth Winnie's Angels. Left: Vendor handpaints license plates for customers.
Renasant Bank's Bill Taylor explains the rules for the watermelon toss to Marshall Alred, who went on to place second with a 25 foot throw in the 13 and under division.
Winners of the adult division of the Watermelon Toss Saturday were Johnny Rybolt for the men and Kayla Dooley for the ladies. The two are standing amongst the carnage left by the contest.
Brandy Fisher (left) gets some encouragement from fans as she heads for second place in the melon eating contest. Her son, Eathan, (near center) told the Herald his Mom could really eat.
Chamber President, Bennett Hill and Jerry Vaughn get ready for the big melon contest.
The Watermelon Carnival is Water Valley's most prized annual celebration. An estimated 20,000 people attend the various events, always set the first weekend in August. The carnival is named among the top 20 festivals in the southeastern United States by the Southeastern Tourism Society.
