Welcome to the Watermelon Capital of the WORLD!
The Watermelon Days Festival offers over thirty activities, with something for everyone, during the celebration of our favorite fruit, which has made us so famous. We hold the festival to honor the farmers, growers, brokers, and buyers because our watermelon industry is a tremendous economic engine for our community.
Our title "Watermelon Capital of the World" was challenged in the early ’90s by Hope, Arkansas, and Hempstead, Texas. The competition was tough, but Cordele-Crisp County proved that we truly have the best melons anywhere in the WORLD and proudly retained our title. Our melons were deemed as the crispest, juiciest, and sweetest. This is due to the hot, dry nights and the type of soil in Crisp County. Over 200 million pounds of melons are grown and shipped from our community each year.
We hope you will come and check out our CRISP slice of life!
8:30am: Watermelon Festival Parade:
Lineup will be at 7:30 a.m. at South Gate Shopping Center.
The parade route will begin at the corner of 6th Street & 15th Avenue and travel East on 15th Ave ending at Owens St.
The parade begins at 9:00 a.m.
All entries except "Government Agencies"(Sheriff, Police, Fire Dept.) must submit a fee of $20.00 with the application.
Call 229-273-1668 for more information.
Click here for Parade Registration
9:00am - 5:00pm: Watermelon Days Arts, Crafts, and Food Vendors at Georgia Veterans State Park
Resort and Golf Club Linda Hawkins 229-276-1004
10:00am - 5:00pm: Watermelon Days Entertainment at Georgia Veterans State Park
Resort and Golf Club Linda Hawkins 229-276-1004
10:00am - 2:00pm: Watermelon Days Car & Truck Display at Georgia Veterans State Park
Sponsor: Cordele Cruisers Car Club Gene Arnett 229-322-1621
10am - 2pm: Crisp County 4-H Watermelon Slice Giveaway at Georgia Veterans State Park
Sponsor: Crisp County 4-H
11:30am: Jr. Watermelon Eating Contest at Georgia Veterans State Park
Sponsor: Cordele Lions Club
2:00pm: Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest at Georgia Veterans State Park
Sponsor: Ga. Watermelon Association 229-273-1688
7:30pm: July Turner Band at Cypress Grill
$Live Entertainment 229-276-1004
