On Tuesday, August 18 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., The Reeds at Shelter Haven will host their fourth-annual Reeds ‘n’ Seeds Watermelon Festival at their wildly popular outdoor restaurant, Water Star Grille. First hosted by the hotel’s predecessor, the Shelter Haven Hotel, more than a century ago, Reeds ‘n’ Seeds has become a beloved tradition. Locals and visitors alike gather to snack on the quintessential summer food – watermelon, and watch (or join in!) the watermelon-eating contest and other fun, food-focused entertainment. The event is free and open to the public.
The signature event of Reeds ‘n’ Seeds is the Watermelon Eating Contest:
o Children of all ages are invited to participate in a series of heats:
10:30 a.m. – 3 to 5 years
11 a.m. – 6 to 8 years
11:30 a.m. – 9 to 12 years
12:15 p.m. – 13 to 17 years
12:30 p.m. – Parents and Finals
o Prizes include gift cards for Buckets, The Reeds’ newest beach bar and restaurant
Guests will also witness the crowning of the Reeds ‘n’ Seeds King & Queen, honoring the boy and girl who most aptly answers: “Why would I like to be The Reeds King or Queen?”
o All children are invited to enter; speeches will begin at 11:45 a.m.
Additional, family-friendly entertainment will include:
o Games, such as Watermelon Pong, Minute to Win It “Seed” Challenge and Ring Toss
o Watermelon Snacks and Drinks including cookies, punch, fruit salad and of course watermelon slices
o Watermelon Crafts, Carvings and Face Painting
o Live, Family-Friendly Music
o Cupcake Decorating with Pastry Artist, Rebecca Strayer
o For those who can’t get enough, the Water Star Grille will also be featuring watermelon cocktails and their popular Watermelon and Feta salad from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.