Watermelon Days Festival
Welcome to the Watermelon Capital of the WORLD!
The Watermelon Days Festival, the oldest festival in Georgia, is held annually in June and includes events for the whole family.
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!
The 2024 Festival will be on June 22, 2024
Vendor Applications
Applications Available in 2024
LOCATION: 2459-H Us Hwy 280 W / Cordele GA 31015
Set up begins at 7:00 a.m. Tables, chairs, or canopies will NOT be provided, so please remember to bring your own.
For directions, go to www.lakeblackshearresort.com.
For more information please call 229-276-1004
Watermelon Festival Parade
June 22nd 2024
9:00 am
Lineup will be at 8:00 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.