LULING, TX - The 2024 Watermelon Thump Festival was an unforgettable experience! Held during the final full weekend of June, the festival brought together the best of summer fun, music, and, of course, watermelons.
It was a hot one! The official temperature was 100 degrees, but it felt like a scorching 108 in the middle of the afternoon. Despite the heat, everyone was in high spirits, enjoying all the festival had to offer.
The festival was divided into two main portions: Watermelon Activities and Live Music Performances.
Watermelon Activities
The day kicked off with a Morning Parade, led by the recently elected “Queen,” “Princess,” and “Duchess” of the Watermelon Thump Festival. Their regal presence set the tone for a day full of excitement.
One of the highlights was the Watermelon Eating Contest. It was messy, but absolutely fun to watch! Seeing everyone dive into those juicy melons with gusto was a treat. The Championship Watermelon Auction was another unique event. Local businesses bid on giant watermelons, some over 100 pounds, with proceeds benefiting local causes. It was great to see the community come together for a good cause.
Then came the Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest. It had some strict rules:
Contestants must spit seeds within the designated lane; out-of-bounds won’t count.
Contestants must keep both feet behind the line when spitting.
Contestants receive two attempts.
Some contestants came prepared with proper technique, while others were just there to have fun! The festival record was about 70 feet, and the measuring of each attempt reminded me of my college track and field days when I competed in the triple jump. Overall, people had a fantastic time!
Live Music Performances
During the day, a handful of artists performed acoustic sets on the smaller stage, providing a perfect backdrop for the festival activities.
The evening brought three main artists to the larger stage, each with a 90-minute set:
Matt Castillo opened up the evening with a strong performance. This was my first time seeing him live, and he quickly won over the crowd with his infectious energy and genuine connection with the audience. Matt’s blend of classic country with a modern twist had everyone tapping their feet and singing along. His stage presence was captivating, making it clear why he’s becoming a rising star in the Texas country music scene.
William Beckmann took the stage next and serenaded us with his smooth, soulful voice. Hailing from Del Rio, Texas, William's bilingual performance in both English and Spanish added a unique and heartfelt touch to the evening. His easy-going demeanor and melodic tunes created a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. Whether he was singing a tender ballad or an upbeat tune, William enthralled the audience, showcasing his versatility as an artist.
Kolby Cooper closed out the night with a high-energy set that had the crowd on their feet. Kolby’s mix of country and rock brought an electrifying vibe to the festival. His raw, powerful vocals and dynamic guitar work perfectly matched the enthusiastic crowd. Kolby’s ability to engage and energize the audience was evident as people danced and sang along to every song. His performance was the perfect finale, leaving everyone buzzing with excitement.
We had a fantastic time covering the Watermelon Thump Festival once more and can’t wait for next year!
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