Wow, what a week it's been in the Watermelon Capital of the World!
Officials, volunteers, and most spectators alike would likely agree that you can mark the 68th annual Hampton County Watermelon Festival off as a whopping success.
Festival Chairman Robert J. Brown (who did just an awesome job broadcasting the parade, didn't he?) said that this year's parade was one for the record books. He added that there were more than 125 units in the parade, which lasted over an hour and 15 minutes, and estimated that somewhere between 15,000 and 20,000 people watched it live from Varnville and Hampton, with many more catching it televised on WTOC.
In fact, the entire nine days of events were a huge success.
"From the Motorcycle Ride to the Mud Runs, everything went well," said Brown. "And getting back to the courthouse went very smoothly, I don't know of any problems other than the weather. And all the vendors seemed pleased and are making plans to return next year."
Brown was also pleased at the large turnout from almost every town in the county as more queens, dignitaries and citizens from surrounding towns participated this year than have in year's past.
"I was pleasantly surprised," he said. "Gifford was well represented, and Estill as well."
The festival also had a surprise guest, Hampton County native Major General Arnold Fields, USMC Ret., who spoke after the parade and sang during Saturday night's Variety Show.
"It's my pleasure to be back down in Hampton County, I don't feel comfortable anywhere else" said Fields. "This continues to be an excellent festival."

A few words of thanks
Brown expressly thanked the festival's executive committee members for their time and efforts, including Becky Young, Jimmie Polk, Alice B. Hazel, Cindy Davis, and Ann D. Long.
"Thanks to all the chairs of all the committees, they all need to be commended for their outstanding work. And in everything there is always a standout person, and the standout people for this festival were Okey Byrd and Jimmie Polk, who lined up the courthouse and laid out the vendors. We had more positive comments on that than any other part of the festival."
Brown also thanked the Hampton County Council, the mayors and councils of Hampton and Varnville, and all town/county workers and police, Sheriff's Office, EMS, and fire departments for their hard work and sacrifice during the festival.
He also expressed his appreciation to The Guardian, Variety Hits 92.1, WDOG, WTOC, Lowcountry Life, and the Hampton County Good Times.
"All of the media did an outstanding job promoting the festival, and the coverage during the festival was excellent. And thanks to all who came out and had a good time."

More sweet melon days ahead
Brown and the committee will take a short breather in July (and they deserve a break!) and will soon begin working on some new - and innovative - ideas for next year's festivities.
"There is always room for improvement, and the executive committee is already looking at ways to make next year even better," he said.
Brown has ideas for some new events for next year - such as bungee jumping - as well as a student art contest prior to the festival. The winner of this contest would have his/her design selected as the official design for the 69th Festival's t-shirts, posters, and books.
The chairman is also suggesting adding a new twist to the Friday night street dance: designated reunion points for families, former residents, and classmates to reconnect, chat, and visit along Lee Avenue.
And one final suggestion:
"More music at the street dance, if it doesn't rain."
Well, that's about all the Festival excitement I can take for one year, folks, and I need a nice long nap and some sweet dreams of Watermelons, Watermelons, Watermelons!
See ya next year!