Hampton County is the home of the world’s original Watermelon Festival, an awaited event for tourists and locals since 1939. The tradition has only been interrupted twice in almost 100 years, during World War II and the Korean War.
Since 1993, the festival expanded to eight days, from Sunday to Sunday, and events during this week feature a beauty pageant, a family fun day, a 5k run, watermelon eating contests, local food and vendors, and pet shows, live music, dancing and more.
This year, the music lineup includes:
- Men of Distinction – They perform beach music, rhythm, blues, soul, country, and big band/swing material.
- Josh Hilley Band – Country and rock
Calendar of events
Monday, June 20
Youth Parade
Opening Ceremony
Taste of Hampton County
Tuesday, June 21
Taste of Hampton County
Children0s Day in the Park
Wednesday, June 22
Lake Warren Fishing Contest
Thursday, June 23
Pet show
Battle of the Towns
Arts and Crafts Vendors check-in
Friday, June 24
Arts and Crafts Vendors
Tee Shirt Sales
Food Vendors
Street Dance
Saturday, June 25
5K Run
Arts and Crafts and Food Vendors
Tee Shirt Sales
Parade
Watermelon Eating Contest / Free slices
Check out more details about each event here.
A little bit of what you can expect
When: June 20 – 25, 2022
Where: Different places around the county
Featured image from Shutterstock.