CORDELE, Ga. — Cordele is known as the Watermelon Capitol of the World, and they're celebrating their 75th annual Watermelon Days Festival.
This year's theme is sparkles and seeds, and people traveled near and far to get a slice of sweet victory.
The watermelon season celebration started in early May, and now they are cheering on the upcoming end of the harvest.
In total, there were 25 events that locals and visitors could check out within the Watermelon Capital.
Monica Simmons, the president of the Cordele-Crisp Chamber of Commerce, said the event is held to honor the farmers and growers of the watermelon industry.
"You get all these people involved because they have a special part to play in it," Simmons said. "The festival brings in folks from all over not just the state, we have people that come back from out of state every year because they just love watermelon. They love the watermelon memorabilia, and just coming to the festival."
The festival kicked off with a parade featuring bands, cars, tractors and, of course, watermelon. Then the party got started at Georgia Veterans State Park, where there were fun activities like a watermelon eating contest, a seed spitting contest and more.
For some, this tradition is just getting started. Linda and Mitchell Burns traveled from Washington D.C. to weigh in on the watermelon.
"It was luscious, sweet, juicy and just the best. The best watermelon I think we've ever had," Burns said.
The Watermelon Festival has been on Mitchell's list for a long time.
He knew Central Georgia was known for its pecans and Vidalia onions, but after learning more about the crops, it was a perfect time to visit.
"We go to festivals all over the country and look for special things that represent our country everywhere and all over, and it's really fun," Burns said.
Jacob Sallee is from Pensacola, Florida and went to the festival with his friends.
He was surprised to hear Cordele is the Watermelon Capital and had to come and experience it for himself.
"I mean it's awesome that a small town like this is so strong and put together and that they can come together over something so small like watermelons," Sallee said. "It seems like this town is very proud."