We always enjoy getting to host the Opening Ceremony of the Winterville Watermelon Festival with the Town Council, but this year was a little extra special! For the 40th anniversary event we brought back some of the original committee members – the Winterville Jaycees – who started this beloved event.
Forty years ago it was the Winterville Jaycees who planted the seed for what would grow into our community’s biggest celebration. First hosted at A.G. Cox Middle School, then downtown Winterville, and eventually at the Winterville Recreation Park (though it took years before landing in its current location), the festival has always been rooted in community spirit. We, along with the whole community, are deeply grateful to those first volunteers who worked so hard to build what we now know and love.
Today, the “Slice of the Good Life” tradition continues thanks to the volunteers who make up the Watermelon Festival Planning Committee. Their dedication, creativity, and hard work keep the festival thriving year after year. We are also thankful for the support of the Town of Winterville, whose assistance help strengthen the efforts of our volunteer committee and ensure the festival’s success.
Winterville Chamber of Commerce Director Rebecca Caveness, Town Councilwoman Veronica Roberson, Town Councilwoman Lisa Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Johnny Moye, Mayor Ricky Hines, Town Councilwoman Brandy Harrell, Town Council Woman Shantel Hawkins, Chamber President Glenda White.
Original volunteers from the Winterville Jaycees and eventual Watermelon Festival Planning Committee: Randy Avery, Steve Evans, Wayne Avery, Eddie Vincent, Debbie Avery, Robin Avery, Mary Vincent, Warren Averette, Ernie Tetterton, Jeff Tucker, and Carlton Buck
