Rush Springs Watermelon Festival: A Celebration of Community

Rush Springs Watermelon Festival: A Celebration of Community

Author: Harley Covington and Brett Manzer June 30, 2025 Duration: 49:52
Only in OKlahoma Show
SocietySociety & CultureCulturePlacesTravel

Today we have an interview with the 80th Rush Springs Watermelon Queen.

Dive into the heart of Oklahoma's vibrant community spirit with our podcast episode exploring the Rush Springs Watermelon Festival! Held every second Saturday in August, this beloved annual event celebrates the local watermelon crop with lively music, mouthwatering food, and endless family-friendly fun. Join us as we take you through the festival's highlights, from Thursday and Friday's thrilling rodeo to Saturday's all-day festivities, including seed-spitting contests, arts and crafts fairs, and carnival rides. Discover why over 20,000 visitors flock to Rush Springs each year to savor more than 50,000 pounds of juicy black diamond, royal sweet, and other watermelon varieties. Tune in for a taste of Oklahoma's sweetest tradition!

Rush Springs is a town of less than 1,000 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 Friends of Nicoma Park, NEWSon6, Tulsa, Meadow Gold District, Buck Atom's Cosmic Curios and Route66.

Special Thanks to our partner, Friends of Nicoma Park.

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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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