A Love Letter In Watermelon Ink

By Editor | July 9, 2025 |

Chamber Report
By Jessie Gurner

If you’ve noticed some folks from the Chamber and the Herald office walking around town with an extra spring in their step holding a giant glass of sweet tea, it’s probably not just the July heat. That’s the sound of relief and celebration—because the Watermelon Carnival program book is finally finished and officially on its way to the printer.

Let’s take a moment—for applause, a deep sigh of relief, and maybe a well-earned nap.

Every year, the program book is a huge part of what brings the Watermelon Carnival to life. It’s more than just a schedule or a keepsake—it’s a time capsule, of what’s going on, and this year… well, let’s just say we’ve upped our game. The 2025 edition is sporting a brand-new look, a fresh layout, and an exciting new feature that’s been on the Chamber’s wish list for years: a full Chamber Business Directory.

That’s right! This book isn’t just for flipping through during the Carnival weekend while you wait for your kids to get off the bounce house. It’s designed to be something you can keep handy all year long—a local resource you’ll actually want to use. Need a florist? A place to grab lunch on Tuesday? Just open the book. It’s like Google, but with watermelons.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the support of the people and businesses who purchased ads in the book. So if you’re one of them, go ahead and give yourself a big pat on the back—and maybe treat yourself to a slice of watermelon. Or pie. Or both. You’ve earned it.

We say it every year, but it’s worth repeating: advertising in the program book doesn’t just help pay for printing. It helps support the Watermelon Carnival as a whole. It helps keep the event free for families. It helps promote local businesses. And maybe most importantly, it helps tell the story of Water Valley—who we are, what we value, and how we show up for each other.

Because let’s be real. The pages of this book aren’t just ads and schedules. They’re love letters to a town that takes pride in its people and knows how to throw a good party. They’re full of memories waiting to be made, small-town pride in every line, and that uniquely Water Valley flavor that somehow blends sweet, funny, and heartfelt all in one bite.

Now, if you’ve never tried to herd ads, sponsors, photos, and multiple rounds of proofreading to meet a hard deadline—just imagine trying to teach a watermelon to tap dance. On a moving train. While holding a sparkler.
There were texts and emails flying at all hours, phone calls at 5 a.m. that started with “just a quick question” and ended 45 minutes later, and more last-minute edits than anyone cares to admit.

But we got it done.

A special tip-of-the-hat to Melody Smith at the Herald. She is our behind-the-scenes champion who handled layout, coordination, and making sure we knew that everything needed to be proofed (twice). We appreciate you so much, and so do the sleep-deprived fonts on your computer.

So what now?

Now it’s just a short wait. The books will be arriving soon—fresh from the press. You’ll be able to grab your copy for $7.50 at the Chamber office, at select businesses around town, and at the Chamber tent during Carnival weekend.
And once you get your hands on it? Flip through. See who’s new. Find out when your favorite band is playing. Circle the time for the fireworks show. And check out the Business Directory—you might just discover a new favorite place you didn’t even know was in town. This is a gift from Water Valley to Water Valley. It’s a printed reminder that we are full of heart, humor, hard work, and the kind of hometown pride that just won’t quit.

So here’s to everyone who made it happen—and to all of you who’ll be flipping through those pages with sticky watermelon fingers come August.

We’ll see you at the Carnival.

Posted in Archived Stories