80th annual Hampton County Watermelon Festival kicks off
The all-volunteer Hampton County Watermelon Festival Committee sat gathered in the social hall of the Hampton United Methodist Church last Thursday, notes in hand. There was a nervous excitement in the air. It had been a disappointing two-year pandemic break with no hometown festival. Now, after months of planning, the longest-continuing festival in the state - and one of Hampton County's oldest traditions- was set to return and the 80th annual Watermelon Festival was about to kickoff
"It's showtime, people!" said Festival Committee Co-Chair William Koger. "Thanks for all your hard work, and we'll see you next week!"
The H.C. Watermelon Festival officially kicked off on Monday and will feature family friendly community events every day through Saturday. Youth volunteer Melon Belles and Melon Beaus will be at each event helping out.
The Youth Parade and Opening Ceremonies
While a host of food trucks began setting up Monday morning, the festivities officially kicked off with the ever-popular and oh-so-cute Youth Parade through downtown Varnville, followed by the opening ceremonies at 7:30 p.m. at the Varnville Gazebo.
On Tuesday, the Hampton County Chamber of Commerce hosted another event popular for families with kids, the Children’s Day in the Park, which was held at Lightsey Park in Hampton this year. This event, designed for children up to 12 years of age, featured more activities than the previous years, including arts and crafts, face painting, games, and cold treats.
The Taste of Hampton County Food Truck Event was also held Tuesday in Varnville, followed by the Watermelon Festival Fishing Contest on Wednesday. For the full slate of events for the end of the week, go to https://hcmelonfest.org/events
Storefronts have been decorated with festive melon themes, melon wreaths are up around town, and that Hampton County "watermelon spirit" is popping up almost everywhere.
If that's not enough to help you get in that Watermelon Festival spirt, official festival T-shirts are available in yellow, red, cobalt blue and lime green and can be found in Hampton at the following locations: The Frock Shop, Ulmer's Feed & Seed, and The Material Girls
Joyce Horres honored
During the Opening Ceremonies, a posthumous award for volunteer service was presented to the family of Joyce Horres, a former festival committee member, by S.C. Representative Shedron Williams. Williams presented the family with an official resolution plaque approved by the S.C. General Assembly.
Williams described Horres as "a beacon" and "a light for Hampton County and the Watermelon Festival" who was committed to the festival even during her failing health.
"Family, you were touched by a hero," Williams added.
Horres, of Varnville, died Feb. 6 at the age of 92.
In 1990, Horres began volunteering on the H.C. Watermelon Festival Committee and became an integral part of the local festival. She and her husband, Aubrey, were responsible for the creation of Family Festival Fun Day and the Taste of Hampton.
"I really enjoyed working with her," said Koger. "She pretty much established The Taste of Hampton by herself. As many know, she was a well-known, fabulous cook and hardworking committee member for years. l always enjoyed seeing how she decorated her home and yard for the festival, and she and her husband did numerous good deeds for the community."
Horres was an avid collector of all things "watermelon," and her kitchen was featured in Sandlapper Magazine in 1993. She remained active on the Watermelon Festival Committee until she was forced to retire in 2005 due to health issues.
Horres also started a Welcome Station to provide both locals and out-of-town guests with information about the festival, and she was a regular winner of the Festival's Best Decorated Yard and Door Contest.
