In the northern hemisphere, the first day of Summer is the day of the year when the Sun is farthest north (on June 20th or 21st), also known as the Summer Solstice.
Watermelon colored crepe myrtles line Hwy. 33 coming into Farmerville at the lake.
But you know it’s summer in Union Parish when you ride down Hwy. 33 and you see the big watermelon red crepe myrtles in bloom. Now, it’s summer!
And with that, you know the annual Louisiana Watermelon Festival in Farmerville is not far behind.
This year’s 52nd annual event will begin on Friday, July 24. It is sponsored by the Farmerville Jaycees.
There’s a tennis tournament, arm wrestling contest, watermelon eating and seed spitting contest, street dance and all kinds of things in between.
There’s some serious watermelon stuff, too. Like a grower’s breakfast who compete for the largest and sweetest watermelon titles. The Saturday auction of the prize melons is a serious event, too. A 9 a.m. Saturday parade is always a highlight and vendors are available for food and games throughout the weekend. There’s also a Miss Watermelon pageant with categories for all ages. And more. Don’t forget to pick up your festival t-shirt in daisy or heather gray! There is also a commemorative poster available
Check out all the details online:
at http://fjaycees.wix.com/watermelonfestival
EDITOR’S NOTE:
lakedarbonnelife.com will be letting the keyboard rest a couple of weeks. We’ll be back with you live and in color on Monday, July 27!
lake darbonne life 
Watermelon Kayak Races GO GREEN!!
This weekend is the Fourth Annual Watermelon Wake Kayak Races which have changed the slogan this year to “Go Watermelon Green for Dean”. Dean Williams is the son of Stuart and Angie Williams and “lime green” is the national ribbon for awareness, courage, and determination for those with Muscular Dystrophy. Sponsored by Lester’s on the Lake and the D’Arbonne Kayak Club, this year’s event will charge a $10 entry fee with ALL the proceeds to benefit the Dean Williams family for medical expenses and travel to Cincinatti Children’s Hospital.
“No experience or kayaks are needed, everything you need is provided at the races, which are short distance sprints–more for fun, than competition,” states organizer Stephanie Herrmann.
Categories for races include childrens, youth, women, men, and a fun group relay competition in tandem boats. Trophies are awarded for each category with door prizes as additional incentive. Boats are provided by Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries and Lake D’Arbonne State Park. The Union Parish Sheriff’s Department and Pafford Ambulance also support the event with safety and enforcement.
Herrmann adds, “This year we expect a good turn-out because Dean Williams is such a special young man. His family is an inspiration to many in our community. We hope this event not only emphasizes helping others in need, but as a family enjoying all that life has to offer—including kayaking! Anyone can get started in kayaking, all it takes is one paddle at a time!” The event will be held Sunday, July 19 from 2:00-5:00 at the Hwy 33 Ramp Road location on Lake D’Arbonne. Volunteers and door prizes are needed!
Contact Stephanie Herrmann at 372-3006 for more information.https://www.facebook.com/events/1442210102750615/1452897905015168/
Posted by Stephanie Herrman | July 15, 2015, 12:366:35 pm