by Wayne Watts, publisher
 The Queen has been chosen. The melons are ripening in the Oklahoma sun. Jeff Davis Park in Rush Springs has been mowed and activities have been planned for the 80th edition of the Rush Springs Watermelon Festival in the Watermelon Capital of the World.
 On Saturday, Aug. 9, the entire day in Rush Springs will be a beehive of activity as the local Lions Club puts on this once a year event that attracts upwards of 20,000 visitors to this sleepy little town of just over 1,000 residents.
 The rolling sandy hills of the area are just right to raise watermelons, cantaloupe and other delicious and healthy foods for the American table.
 The Lions Club furnishes about 50,000 pounds of fresh watermelons free, including black diamond and royal sweet varieties, cold and quarter sliced at 4 p.m. on Festival Day. Other activities include Seed-Spitting Contest: A popular competition where participants test their seed-spitting skills. An Arts and Crafts Fair that features over 100 vendors showcasing their creations. Carnival Rides that offer rides for all ages.
 The Live Entertainment Stage presents performances by various artists,throughout the day culminating with a 2-hour show by the band “40 Roses.” 
 Like old cars? A Classic Automotive Show and judging that displays antique and classic cars, trucks, tractors and motorcyles for vehicle enthusiasts.
 One of the main events is the coronation of the Watermelon Queen and her court including Little Mr.and Miss Rush Springs. This year’s queen was selected through a pageant process earlier this year that allows the queen to promote the festival through her many activities. This year’s queen is Kylee Heston.
 A Watermelon 5k/10k Run kicks off the day’s activities beginning at 7 a.m. with the distance run and 7:15 for the 5 k and school team runners. Registration is open until Aug. 7. Additional race information can be found at https://www.facebook.com/rushspringswatermelonrun.
 A prize Watermelon auction is held following the judging of the best local melon entered. Typical largest melons can weigh up to and over 100 pounds and over 200 pounds a few years back.
 There may be as many as 200 commercial vendors at the park along with food trucks for the hungry.
 Getting an early start, an open rodeo is held at the Rusty Acres Rodeo Arena on Thursday and Friday evenings with a downtown rodeo parade at 5 pm on Friday.
 The Rush Springs Watermelon Festival is a free event with free parking, just get there early. A tram runs from downtown to the park during the festival.