1946 Newberry, as many other cities across our country, could be found recovering from World War 2 and the Great Depression. Rural communities were devastated with financial losses. The community of Newberry was founded on the supply and demand of phosphate. While Newberry prospered with a great economic growth, the depression and war halted the progress of our growing community with the slow decline of the need for phosphate. Newberrians needed to rely on another source of revenue. While farming has always been an intricate part of our history.  Cash crops would be the new meat of Newberry’s economy. After many changes and financial decline, the future of our city was finally improving. Local merchants and our own Bank of Newberry supported our farmers. Many of these businesses let folks sign on credit for items needed and then pay when the crops came in.

 To give thanks for the farming success the town decided to have some sort of celebration. The year of 1946 would be the first annual Newberry Watermelon Festival. The whole city came together to give thanks for our agriculture community. The day was filled with smoked meats, fresh vegetables and homemade desserts. The cake walk, large melon auction, beauty pageants and an evening dance were the main events. Women would plan for months on what to bake for the cake walk and at the local restaurants or the bank, farmers would place their bets on which farm would produce the largest shipping watermelon. Planning on attire for the big dance was paramount as well. For many, this was the one night to meet that special someone or take your mate out for a night of homespun music and dancing. The Newberry Watermelon Festival has been a time-honored tradition since 1946. We as a community, plan for and look forward to seeing the babies dressed in their watermelon finery for the pageants, homemade baked goods and watermelon items auction. The traditions of that first year in 1946 continue today by honoring our rich agriculture traditions and adding new traditions each year. We have grown through the years however, no matter how large of an event we become, the reason to celebrate will remain the same, our rich agriculture heritage.

Farmer perspective

As someone who has spent my whole life in agriculture and in this community, the Newberry Watermelon Festival holds a special place in my heart. Since its beginning in 1946, it has been more than just a celebration of watermelon — it has been a way for our town to come together, generation after generation.

I’ve watched this festival grow from its simple start into the beautiful tradition it is today, one that welcomes friends, families, and neighbors to share in the joy of good food, music, and fellowship. Every year, I see familiar faces who have been coming for decades, and I also meet new families who are just beginning to make their own festival memories.

The festival is a true reflection of our agricultural roots. Local growers, businesses, and volunteers all work hand in hand to make it possible. From the crowning of the Watermelon Queen to the laughter of children enjoying games and contests, the day is filled with something for every age.

For me, the sweetest part has always been seeing how this tradition continues to bring people together — children playing, teens competing, adults visiting over a slice of watermelon, and neighbors catching up as though no time has passed at all.

The Newberry Watermelon Festival is more than an event; it’s a reminder of who we are as a community. It shows the pride we take in our town, our farming heritage, and the values that make Newberry such a special place to call home.

– Gail Hodge