The scorching Texas heat didn’t stop hundreds from gathering together to celebrate the 73rd Annual McDade Watermelon Festival this past Saturday. The event featured an inaugural 5k marathon, a grand parade, live music all day, and a healthy dose of competition, including the watermelon eating contest, seed spitting contest, washer tournament, and bingo. The combination of festive activities, local vendors, and of course, delicious watermelon reminded everyone why the festival has been such a beloved and longstanding tradition.Bastrop County District Judge, Chris Duggan, who judged and announced the parade, commented on the festival’s importance to the community: “To have a ...