Save the date: Fleamasters' Watermelon Festival June 22-24, 2012

Come celebrate the summer harvest season at Fleamasters' Annual Watermelon Festival. This event will get bigger and better each year, making it a great time to plan a trip to Fleamasters or plan to sell at the market. Highlights include: Speed Eating and Seed Spitting Competition, Best Watermelon Recipe Contest, live entertainment on stage, games, face painting and balloon animals.

Get involved! Please contact us if you are interested in 2012 Watermelon Festival: Sponsorship opportunities, entertainment opportunities (performers and bands), or retail space (crafts, bake sale, etc.)

2011 Winners and Standings

SPEED EATING

Adult
First Place: Doug Heavener, Punta Gorda
Second: Frank Parsons, Cape Coral
Third: William Michals, Cape Coral

11-16 yr olds
First: Megan Sprague, St. Joseph, MO
Second: Andrew Heavener, Punta Gorda
Third: Steven Rossomando, Cape Coral

10 & under
First: Jose Parrilla, Cape Coral
Second: Madlyn Spague, St. Joseph, MO
Third: Jeremy Parrilla, Cape Coral

SEED SPITTING

Adult
First Place: Brent Ray - 50' 6"
Second: Lani - 44'
Third: Brent Ray - 34' 5"

11-16 yr olds
First: Caitlyn Ray - 28'
Second: Andrew Heavener - 27' 1"
Third: Andrew Heavener - 24' 9"

10 & under
First: Roisin Wearen - 18'
Second: David Barrios - 16' 8"
Third: Emily Palladino - 14' 8"

BEST WATERMELON RECIPE CONTEST

First: Debbie Stiansen (Watermelon Salsa)
Second: Walter Caputo (Watermelon Wrap)
Third: Dr. F. Marshall Rogers (Watermelon Pickles)

Thanks to our 2011 sponsors!
Fleamasters Fleamarket and Music Hall, Dixie Barbeque and Looney Spoonz Housewares

SEED SPITTING

1. Championship event is open to all! Please register in your appropriate age group: (A) age 10 & under (B) 11 - 16 or (C) 16 & over
2. Seed spitting entry fee is $1 for 3 official spitting seeds, enter as many times as you want!
3. Use of any aid or tool (pipe, tube, or other hollow objects) to propel seeds is forbidden. Any competitor receiving assistance at moment of seed launching shall be disqualified.
4. Seed must land on seed spitting track to be counted.
5. Seed spitting must be done from an erect, stationary stance. No running starts allowed. Take a deep breath (making sure not to swallow the seed) before spitting. Contestants who accidentally swallow seeds while sucking in air prior to seed launch will be given one extra seed.
6. Denture wearers spit at their own risk.
7. All distances and decisions shall be determined by Watermelon Festival officials.
8. Break the world record (68-feet, 9-1/8 inches), and you'll win $500 cash!
9. 1st, 2nd & 3rd place winners receive a year's bragging rights, a Festival T-shirt and official Watermelon Festival Medal. 1st place winners also receive $25 Flea Dollars.

SPEED EATING

1. Championship event is open to all! Please register in one of these three age groups: (A) age 10 & under (B) 11 - 16 (C) 16 & over
2. Speed eating entry fee is $10 adults, $5 for youth age 16 & under. All entrants receive complimentary Watermelon Festival T-shirt and Free BBQ Sandwich Coupon, while supplies last
3. Winning contestant(s) will be first to eat 1/4 watermelon slice (rind not included).
4. Melon must remain on table and tray. No hands may be used.
5. Seed spitting shall be done in a restrained manner, and confined to tray. Seeds spit onto other competitor’s slice will be grounds for disqualification.
6. Quickness is the major factor in determining winners. However, bonus points may be awarded for technique, costumes and gear (raincoats, rubber boots, etc.)
7. Decisions of judges shall be final. In case of tie, a second heat may be ordered.
8. 1st, 2nd & 3rd place winners in each age group receive a year's bragging rights and official Watermelon Festival Medals. 1st place winners receive prize packs including $50 Flea Dollars to spend in the market.