Pam Garrett - Vendor Chairperson, 806-215-5468
Karen Redman-Williams - Car Show, Music/Stage, Tabloid Chairperson, 806-215-0047
Mark Anna & Joe Martinez III, 5K/10K & Bench, Chairpersons - 806-456-6965 or 806-456-7486
Connie McClain - Information Booth, Chairperson
Treon Minall - Hospitality Room, Chairperson
The Watermelon Round-Up is a fun-filled event that draws over 8,000 people on the Satu
rday before Labor Day and raises funds for programs sponsored by the Yoakum County Connection (YCC). Shopping and entertainment offer a fun and family oriented atmosphere for the day. Food vendors are located at the Food Court, Car Show and on the street. History of the Watermelon Round-Up
Yoakum County Connection was the brainchild of Yoakum County Art Association (YCAA) in 1995 after meeting in January 1994 with Jim Bob McMillan (who was then with the Texas Alliance for Education and the Arts). He urged the YCAA members towards greater area arts participation. Because of the art group's members and ages, it was decided an umbrella arts organization could draw wider support and better meet county needs, particularly by providing opportunities for youth. With much help from county officials and local residents the first Watermelon Round-Up was organized in 1996. Over the year several local individual directed the successful event and contributed to its growth, however the success lies with many individuals who assisted those directors. This is truly a grass roots organization based on volunteer effort trying to better the quality of life in West Texas. We care about our children, our elders, and small town America! Yoakum County Connection has changed the rural landscape of West Texas through the positive impact of the ARTS with the hard work of local citizens. Generous local growers have donated the sweet melons year after year. In 1997 the Yoakum County Connection started the Summer Youth Arts program where they offered 25 workshops in Plains and in Denver City and enrolled 235 youth. It is the goal of the Yoakum County Connection with the help of the Yoakum County Watermelon Round-Up to continue spreading the culture that the arts provides. With donation to different art programs in the local high schools, and grant money summer arts projects and much more. It is our desire to see you at the Yoakum County Watermelon Round-Up so that YOU have fun enjoying a day filled with the arts (arts, crafts, live music, dancing, etc.)! Then spread that love so others might come and enjoy in years to follow!
