Kilgore High School is up and running again, starting off with an opening celebration in this year’s Watermelon Festival. Many came from all across town to watch their family and friends perform for the Football season opening.

The event began in mid-twentieth century after local farmers found an opportunity to bring together the people across town and feature their produce, particularly the watermelon. The first festival focused on watermelon-themed activities and competition. It quickly grew in popularity and started to incorporate more recreation activities including: parades, live music, and performances from the Cheerleaders, High Steppers, Twirlers, and Band.

The experience is more than just a fun, little get together. It’s an opportunity to stand alongside your community and celebrate your farmers and agricultural pride.

“Watermelon Fest is the Kilgore way of kicking off Football season,” Head Cheer Coach Saidie Hamblen said. “It has been a part of KHS tradition for as long as I can remember and it’s something we all look forward to every year. I would say Watermelon Fest is an iconic piece of Kilgore history. I can’t imagine celebrating the start of football season any other way.”