Do you know the tiny town in Oklahoma that transforms into a Watermelon Wonderland every year?

Do you know the tiny town in Oklahoma that transforms into a Watermelon Wonderland every year?

Author: Harley Covington and Brett Manzer July 1, 2024 Duration: 47:25

Today we are discussing The 79th Annual Watermelon Festival in Rush Springs, Oklahoma.

Hosted each year since August 1948, the Rush Springs Watermelon Festival and Rodeo celebrates the local watermelon crop with activities, carnival rides and plenty of old-fashioned, family-friendly entertainment. This annual event has become one of the most popular festivals in Oklahoma, attracting over 30,000 visitors each year and serving upwards of 50,000 pounds of juicy, ripe melon to festival-goers. Experience the rodeo on Thursday and Friday before returning on Saturday to sample local acres of black diamond, royal sweet and other watermelon varieties. The festival will also feature all-day fun like a seed-spitting contest, an arts and crafts fair, carnival rides, and more.

Rush Springs is a town of less than 1500 residents, however, each summer, it becomes THE place to be as 20,000 people assemble for the Rush Springs Watermelon Festival. The beloved annual tradition has been held in this welcoming town every second Saturday in August since 1948.

To learn about the rich history of Rush Springs, stop by the Hampton House Museum on the main strip.

When heading into town, keep your eyes peeled to spot the Dinosaur Roadside Ranch on US Highway 81. This attraction features junkyard metal artwork including two giant dinosaurs, an airplane with a tin can man pilot, an assortment of smiley face-themed pieces and more. One of the dinosaur pieces was built out of an old horse trailer and originally used as an animated parade float. It's a great pitstop to snap a photo!

Also discussed Town's End, Chickasha, and KOOL 105.5FM

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Hosts Harley Covington and Brett Manzer invite you to join them on the Only in Oklahoma Show, a podcast dedicated to uncovering the genuine character of the state. This isn't a typical travel guide; it's a series of conversations and explorations focused on the unique people, local spots, and compelling narratives that collectively define Oklahoma's identity. Each episode moves beyond the stereotypes to reveal why the state is a profoundly underrated destination, even to many who live there. You'll hear from community pillars, creative minds, and keepers of history whose stories are woven into the landscape. The podcast digs into the cultural and societal layers that make a place feel like home, covering everything from hidden roadside attractions and regional cuisine to contemporary issues shaping local towns. It’s an audio tour driven by curiosity and a desire to showcase that Oklahoma is far more than just "OK." Tune in for an authentic and engaging perspective that might just change how you see this part of the country, all delivered by the award-winning team behind the microphone.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

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