BLODGETT, Mo. — The City of Blodgett’s annual watermelon festival returns Saturday with a parade, contests, pageants and fireworks.
Blodgett Mayor David Russell previously announced via social media the celebration’s date change from July 4 to Aug. 28.
“Historically,” Russell said, “his family sponsored a Fourth of July celebration with the assistance of Blodgett citizens, and it was held every year on the holiday. Last year, due to COVID restrictions, the annual celebration and Blodgett Sesquicentennial were held together on Sept. 12.”
According to a public review, Russell said, the celebration that took place in September was more comfortable, temperature-wise, for the big gathering.
“There was only one holdback: the availability of watermelons,” Russell said. “… I was assured by local melon grower Blake Wade that plenty of melons will still be available. I look forward to this great celebration to include a parade, many country games and prizes that relate to Blodgett’s legacy of being the 1904 Watermelon Capital of the World.”
Festivities on Saturday will begin with a parade at 10 a.m. followed by a mile-run at 11 a.m., and kid games and music by Bluegrass Review starting at noon. There will also be an ugly “men’s” leg contest, beard and mustache contest and arm-wrestling contest (open to men and women) at 1 p.m. followed by a greased pig contest and greased pole contest at 2 p.m.
Watermelon games/spitting and toss along with a watermelon pitching tournament between the Scott County fire and police personnel will be at 3 p.m. with a $1,000 gift prize being offered. Then the two forces will compete against each other in a friendly game of tug of war at 6:30 p.m.
A baby crawling contest for children ages 6 to 9 months old (or not walking yet) is at 4:30 p.m. followed by the Blodgett Watermelon Beauty Contests, which start at 5 p.m. These include: Tiny Mr. and Miss Blodgett — boys and girls ages 1-5; Little Mr. and Miss Blodgett— boys and girls ages 6-8; Junior Miss Blodgett — girls ages 9-12; and Miss Blodgett — girls ages 13-18. Participants must pre-register with a $20-fee per entry.
Several vendors by the City will be on hand with a portion of all vendor proceeds will be donated to the Blodgett Cemetery Fund or Sidewalk Fund. Vendors include: Women’s Club catfish dinner, $10 per plate; hot dogs and water; Michaela Made Boutique; Blodgett City Store (barbecue plate); hamburgers; ice cream; cold watermelon; and snow cones.
A community church pie auction is slated for 7 p.m. with music beginnign at 7:30 p.m. As a grand finale, the traditional fireworks display will be at 8:30 p.m.
“As always,” Russell said via social media, “I look forward to a great turnout and a chance to witness the smiles and laughter of many.”