Pauls Valley, OK, Pauls Valley Democrat

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June 19, 2009

A seed spitting good time

This Independence Day, Pauls Valley will celebrate with a nationally-renowned watermelon seed-spitting contest, family events and fireworks displays.

Immortalized in the original edition of the popular, best selling family board game, Trivial Pursuit, the annual World Championship Watermelon Seed Spittin’ Contest will reach its 52nd year in 2009 and has become synonymous with Pauls Valley.

Held in conjunction with the Kiwanis 4th of July Fireworks show, this event brings international recognition for Pauls Valley and is well known for being a nostalgic, family-friendly event.

Since 1957 when the contest began, it has received national attention from past winners serving as contestants on the syndicated game show “What’s My Secret?” to being mentioned in the Guinness Book of Records, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and in Trivial Pursuit’s® board game.

Last year’s participation was one of the largest ever as people signed up in one of the six aged-based categories attempting to break the record of Jack Dietz of Chicago. Dietz launched a seed 66 feet 11 inches in 1989.

In 2008, 67 contestants competed representing not just Oklahoma but from as far away as Arizona, Texas and Minnesota.

Last year’s grand champion with a spit of 39 feet 4 inches was Tommy Felan.

Registration will begin at 6 p.m. in the Thompson Field football stadium at Wacker Park for both male and female contestants in categories for ages 12 years old and under, 13 to 18, and 19 and above.

Registration and admission to the event is free, but space is limited for contestants so be sure to be on time to sign up.

Pauls Valley’s celebration begins at 5 p.m., also at the local football stadium.

The Pauls Valley Kiwanis sponsors a good old-fashioned hamburger and hot dog cook-out with iced-cold drinks and ends the day with a hand-launched fireworks show at dark. Admission is free.

Officials are encouraging people to bring lawn chairs and enjoy the “oldies but goodies” music by the Groove Merchants and Pauls Valley’s community band.

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