2009 Chiefland Watermelon Festival

“Look at ‘em. You can’t just eat away at the watermelon…”

“…you’ve got to bury your face down in there, right down to the rind…”

“…like that one there! He’s got the idea!”

And so the narration went from two older gentlemen standing behind me as I photographed The Chiefland Watermelon Festival’s watermelon eating contest. That passionate sports casting alone was well worth the over two hour drive.

It had started on a whim. As you can see from my site, I have plenty of photographs of Florida.  Upon closer examination, you may notice that these photographs are mainly from Mount Dora and neighboring towns. My site was not named “Real Mount Dora Photo”, or “Central Florida Photo” though. It was named Real Florida Photo and though my home town and surrounding area is beautiful enough for a lifetime of photography,  it bothered me that I had not taken many photographs of the “real” Florida far from home.

One night I announced to my wife, Jennifer, that I wanted to begin photographing different aspects of Florida’s agriculture since that has been such a big part of Florida’s economy and identity for most of the history of the state. It’s not easy being married to an aspiring photographer.  After finding out what was currently in season (watermelon) Jennifer found out the Chiefland Watermelon Festival was coming up in two weeks and the plan was set to attend.

We drove across some of the most beautiful countryside and farmland I have ever seen on that rainy morning. The view on the drive would have been worth a photography excursion itself  but I did not want to miss the parade.

The Parade was a lot of fun and, of course, had enormous small-town charm. There was an armada of John Deere Tractors.

There were Little Watermelon Queen Contestants

There were bloodhounds barking at the crowd.

There were barefoot Watermelon Queen contestants.

There were the Chiefland All Stars

Watermelon Queen Contestants Throwing Candy

There was a Little King of Watermelons

More Watermelon Queen Contestants throwing candy (though I believe this one may be a reigning queen)

The throwing of candy was a huge hit with the kids. They really ran for it. Halloween in June!

There was a funny vehicle that was loud…

…and did crazy spins and wheelies.

Plus, there were more Watermelon Queen contestants…

…perfecting their classic beauty queen parade-waves to the crowd.

By the way, have I mentioned yet that Watermelon beauty queen contestants and reigning beauty queens were featured prominently in the Chiefland Watermelon Festival Parade? That’s because one of the main events of the Chiefland Watermelon Festival is to crown the new Chiefland Watermelon Queen…and I missed it! I dragged my wife out of bed on a day off before sunrise, drove for over two hours and STILL do not know who the reigning watermelon queen is.

One thing that I did not miss was the abundant free watermelon, provided by local farmers, that was everywhere. It was good. I was telling some co-workers about the festival and they complained that the watermelon was not good in Florida. This watermelon was. Watermelon was free to everyone attending the festival and, when I say everyone…

…I mean everyone.

One of the highlights for me was the Watermelon auction. I do not believe I have ever seen a real auctioneer live before and this gentleman was amazing. With machine gun rapid speach he sold prize winning watermelon to local business owners and politicians.

Of course there was plenty of fantastic food including fried alligator tail and award-winning barbecue. I’m afraid I had to have both.

There was a watermelon seed-spitting contest but it was hard to get good photographs of this. Watermelon seed-spitting is not an action-packed sport and you kind of had to have been there. I was bummed out they did not have the greased-pole climbing contest and hope they bring it back.

There were also activities for the kids.

If you are looking to visit one of the most beautiful parts of the state and would like to experience rural Florida and meet warm, friendly people, Chiefland Watermelon Festival boasts small town charm at its best.  Of course, the watermelon can’t be beat.

Winner! 2009 Chiefland Watermelon Eating Contest.

Tags: 2009, Beauty, Chiefland, Festival, Florida, Pageant, Queen, Watermelon