07/20/2026
As the 75th Pageland Watermelon Festival comes to a close, my heart is filled with gratitude. Events like this don't happen because of one person, they happen because an entire community comes together with a shared purpose and a willingness to serve.
Before I thank everyone else, I must recognize three incredible ladies who were by my side from beginning to end. **Jessica McManus, Cat Knoles, and Sheila Allison**—thank you for always being there. Through every challenge, every long day, every last-minute need, and every moment when the heat made us wonder if we would surely perish, you never quit. We laughed, we sweat, we pushed through, and by the grace of God, **WE MADE IT! THANK YOU, JESUS!!** I truly could not have done it without each of you.
To **Monica and Dustin Puckett**, thank you for the tremendous job organizing our vendors and coordinating setup. Your hard work and dedication were evident throughout the weekend, and you both absolutely rock. I want to extend my deepest appreciation to **Malinda Newton** for the countless hours of behind-the-scenes support that helped keep everything running smoothly. A special thank you goes to **Yvonne Laney** for once again working her magic with the festival signage, and to **Tammy Smith** for ensuring the Market on Pearl was prepared and secured. Your efforts helped create an inviting experience for everyone who attended.
To **Miss Annie Freeman, Shawn Freeman, and Charlotte Childers**, thank you for taking such wonderful care of our festival staff and law enforcement officers. Making sure everyone was fed and hydrated during such intense heat was a tremendous act of kindness that was appreciated more than words can express.
Thank you, to **Rob Petrucci,** for countless hours of work with the fencing and medical needs, and to **Robin and Doug Horne** for faithfully overseeing the Entertainment and Rescue Gate throughout the festival. Your willingness to serve wherever needed made a tremendous difference.
A special thank you to **Pageland Public Works** for your outstanding assistance before, during, and after the festival. Your hard work, dedication, and countless efforts behind the scenes help make everything run smoothly. From setup to cleanup and everything in between, your commitment does not go unnoticed.
I also want to recognize **Shane Whitley** for his exceptional leadership in coordinating festival security. Your calm professionalism and commitment to keeping everyone safe gave us all peace of mind throughout the event.
To the men and women of the **Pageland Police Department, Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office, Darlington County Sheriff's Office, and Kershaw County Sheriff's Office**, thank you from the bottom of my heart. The extreme heat made an already demanding job even more difficult, yet you never wavered. You went far beyond your duty to protect our community, our visitors, and everyone enjoying the festival. You are true heroes, and we are incredibly grateful for your service.
To the **Pageland Fire Department, Pageland Rescue, and Lifeguard Rescue**, thank you for enduring the relentless temperatures while remaining prepared to respond whenever called upon. Your dedication to the health and safety of our guests gave everyone the confidence to enjoy the festival knowing they were in capable hands.
Finally, thank you to every volunteer, sponsor, vendor, entertainer, committee member, and festival attendee. Your support, generosity, and love for our community are what make the Pageland Watermelon Festival so special year after year. It is truly an honor to be part of a town where so many people willingly give of themselves to create something meaningful for others.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for making this year's Pageland Watermelon Festival an incredible success. I am humbled by your dedication, inspired by your generosity, and proud to call this community home. None of this would have been possible without each of you, and I will forever be grateful for the way our community came together to make this festival one to remember.
May God continue to bless each of you, and I look forward to celebrating with you again next year. 🍉❤️
