66th Annual Watermelon Thump begins Thursday

The biggest event of the year in Luling is coming this weekend!

It’s the 66th Annual Luling Watermelon Thump, and this year’s event looks to be one of the best ever.

“I’m really excited,” said Yolonda Hiner, secretary-treasurer of the Luling Water Melon Thump. “This is going to be one of the best years ever! It will be four fun-filled days of Melon Mania!”

The Watermelon Thump kicks off on Thursday night with the annual Champion Melon Judging and the Queens Coronation Pageant. The Pageant will be held at 7 p.m. followed by music and dancing to The Emotions.

On Friday, the children’s seed-spitting individual and team contests will take place at the Spitway. Contestants and teams can sign up at 5:30 p.m. There is a $5 entry fee on Friday night, and children 12 and under are free.

Friday night will also feature some great music, as Michael Salgado and Elida Reyna y Avantee perform on the Main Stage beginning at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $15.

On the Beer Garden Stage, it’s the legendary Johnny Bush performing between two sets of the Texas Unlimited Band.

On Saturday, the annual Watermelon Thump Parade starts the day off at 10 a.m. Following the parade on festival grounds it’s the Shiner Hobo Band performing under the small pavilion. The Melon Eating will take place at 12:30 p.m. under the pavilion.

At 2 p.m., the $5 gate fee kicks in. The Watermelon Auction takes place at 3 p.m., with the World Championship Seed-Spitting contest at 4:30 p.m.

On Saturday night, the Main Stage Concert will feature Parker McCollum, Copper Chief, and Giovannie and the Hired Guns. Admission is $25 for the show that starts at 7:30 p.m., with McCollum closing out the show.

Music will be featured all day long on Saturday at the Gonzales Inquirer-sponsored Beer Garden Stage. Acts include the Acoustic Song Swap, Stealing Blue, Praha Brothers, Plunk Murray, Tomar and FCs, and Big Balls.

Sunday is a free day, with car show at 10:30 a.m., Lil’ Growers check-in is at noon, followed by the Salute to Veterans—all under the pavilion.

Team Seed Spitting at the Spitway will be at 4:30 p.m. Broken Alibi and The Georges will provide the entertainment on Sunday.

For more information, call the Luling Watermelon Thump office at 830-875-3214, extension 303.