The Watermelon Festival is the longest continuous festival held in the state of South Carolina. The Town of Varnville, which is located in Hampton County, host several events during the week of the festival. Soon you will start to see the locals decorating their yards, porches, and businesses with watermelon paraphernalia. Each year there is a new theme incorporated to highlight a movement, promote awareness, and even show gratitude to a specific group in the community. This year the theme is "Celebrating Hampton County's Animal Advocates". 

Varnville will be hosting the Youth Parade. Children decorate wagons, bicycles, trailers, golfcarts and more to reflect the theme of the festival. This is without a doubt one of the cutest spectacles of the entire week. Do not miss the opportunity to see children of all ages putting on their biggest watermelon smile as they travel down Palmetto Avenue to win that 1st place ribbon for their decorative and creativity abilities. 

This parade starts around Varnville Baptist Church and ends at the Gazebo that are all located on Palmetto Avenue in Varnville. The parade judging and commencement speech will be at the Gazebo where you can come relax and get a free slice of watermelon. Also, stop at one of the many food trucks or vendors that will be set up in the vicinity and grab you and your family a bite to eat or a special gift.

Food Trucks and Vendors will be set up Downtown Varnville all week along! 

Our community welcomes you to join us in all that the Watermelon Festival has to offer. These events are truly wholesome and create lasting memories for all those that take part. 

Other events can be found at the Hampton County Watermelon Festival Website. 

https://hcmelonfest.org/