The good people of Hampton County have planned a humdinger of a week to celebrate all things ’melon during their 69th Annual Watermelon Festival.

The festival begins on Saturday, June 18, with an opening ceremony at Lake Warren State Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the Miss Coastal Empire Contest that evening from 7 to 9 at Palmetto Theater.

The festivities will resume on Monday, setting aside Sunday for Father’s Day, with assorted arts, crafts and cultural performances and contests at local venues during the week. The big festival parade from Varnville to Hampton will be held on Saturday, June 25, at 10 a.m., followed by a watermelon eating contest at 1 p.m.

When I visited Hampton on Tuesday, businesses all over town were dressing up for the many visitors they’re expecting before festival’s end on Sunday, June 26.

Click here for more information about the week’s events.