Beauregard Watermelon Festival

With six percent sugar and ninety percent water, there's no better fruit to pay homage to in June than the juicy, thirst-quenching, life-giving watermelon. DeRidder has figured out that if anything can draw out the crowds this month, it'll be the promise of salted watermelon, watermelon-infused cocktails, and more. Held at the Beauregard Parish Fairgrounds, expect one-of-a-kind events like the Melon Voice Singing Competition, an antique tractor show and parade, a truck show (with awards for best lifted, best lowered, best semi, and more), a pig scramble, and watermelon craft exhibits. Plus all the predictable festival fare: music, kids stuff, food, amusement rides, and more. Starts at 5 pm Thursday; noon Friday; and 10 am Saturday. $5; free for children three and younger and for military. Free admission Friday from 11:30–1 pm for the official "Cutting of the Melons". All the juicy details can be found at beauregardwatermelonfestival.com.