Watermelon Seed Spitting Week is celebrated from the last Thursday through Sunday in June. This year, it takes place from June 26 to June 29. Originating in Texas, it involves a four-day festival celebrating all things watermelon, crowned by the very famous watermelon seed spitting contests in many parts of the country. Weekend events include parades, music, food, arts, carnival rides, and melon auctions, which raise funds to sustain local farmers.
History of Watermelon Seed Spitting Week
Watermelon Seed Spitting Week is the week of the Luling Watermelon Thump Festival in Texas. The name Watermelon Seed Spitting Week is a new tag for the four-day festival whose main event is the watermelon seed-spitting contest. The festival began in 1954, when Hermon Allen, Principal of the Luling Elementary School, presented the idea to celebrate and honor farmers and encourage the Luling watermelon market. Ever since the Thump has been held annually on the last Thursday through Sunday in June.
The festival came to include live music, food booths, seed-spitting contests, a parade, pageants, auctions, and car shows. It is now such a drawcard that about 30,000 people flock to Luling each year for it. A Guinness World Record was set for the first time in Luling in 1989 for the longest watermelon seed spit. The record of 65 feet, four inches was made by John Wilkinson, a festival attendee from Houston, Texas. In that same year, Lee Wheelis a local from Luling, broke this record, by spitting a distance of 68 feet, nine and one-eighth inches.
The Thump has gained fame in previous years by gifting their champion melons to celebrities, the likes of Johnny Carson and even President Ronald Reagan in 1981. In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of the event. However, it had a big come-back in 2021, with fans delighted at its return.
Watermelon Seed Spitting Week is here to have people prepare for the fun-filled festival while they enjoy and celebrate all the benefits of watermelons.
Watermelon Seed Spitting Week timeline
The Watermelon Thump Festival begins in Luling, Texas.
Lee Wheelis, a local from Luling sets the Guinness World Record for the longest watermelon seed spit.
President Ronald Reagan receives the Thump champion watermelon.
The Covid-19 Pandemic leads to the cancelation of the watermelon festival.
Watermelon Seed Spitting Week FAQs
What is the world record for watermelon seed spitting?
The world record for watermelon seed spitting is 75 feet two inches.
Can a watermelon seed grow in your stomach
Watermelon seeds along with other seeds will simply pass through your digestive system and be removed from your body in a day or two.
What is the heaviest watermelon?
“The Guinness Book of World Records” reported the largest watermelon ever grown to be 262 pounds.
Watermelon Seed Spitting Week Activities
Attend the festival in Texas
Festivals are always fun and the Watermelon Thump Festival is a great way to celebrate the event. If you can do so physically, you can watch the exciting contests on T.V. or online.
Eat lots of watermelons
Watermelons are rich in vitamins and make tasty and nutritious smoothies. What better way to celebrate the week than to gorge on watermelons?
Host a theme party
Host a watermelon-themed party with your own watermelon seed-spitting contest. It is a fun way to celebrate and enjoy time with friends.
5 Interesting Facts About Watermelon Seed Spitting Week
It’s a long-lasting tradition
The watermelon festival began in 1954 making it 68 years old in 2022.
Auctions are held
Watermelon auctions are held during Watermelon Seed Spitting Week to support local growers.
Watermelons are a water source
Watermelons were used by people in desert regions as a source of water.
Seedless watermelons exist
A variety of seedless watermelons were introduced in the 1950s.
It was started by a school Principal
The late Hermon Allen, former principal of the Luling Elementary School started the watermelon four-day festival
Why We Love Watermelon Seed Spitting Week
It’s fun to enter competitions
Watermelon seed spitting contests are really fun to watch and participate in. We can get into the team spirit and encourage the entrants.
It’s a chance to connect
We get to connect with people, who share our love and glee for the event. The bond between our communities is strengthened by this holiday.
Watermelons are healthy
Watermelons are loaded with nutrients and the seeds are rich in magnesium. Find some recipes that include watermelon. For example, watermelon sorbet is cool and refreshing and you can use it in your favorite fruit salad.
Watermelon Seed Spitting Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | June 30 | Thursday |
| 2023 | June 29 | Thursday |
| 2024 | June 27 | Thursday |
| 2025 | June 26 | Thursday |
| 2026 | June 25 | Thursday |
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