Did The Severe Rains Damage Oklahoma’s Signature Watermelon Supply?

It's just about time to start another summer in Oklahoma and another festival season. One of the most successfull festivals in the state is always the annual Watermelon Festival in Rush Springs, Oklahoma. In the past, some of the largest watermelons have been recognized at this event.

This year, Oklahoma experienced record-breaking rains that not only severely flooded areas in the state, but it also cured the drought in Oklahoma for the first time in several years. Despite that the rains may have left us droughtless, too much rain can be damaging to crops, including watermelons.

Were Oklahomans able to preserve some of their watermelons for this year's festival? Did the end of the drought work in our favor this year?

Annual Rush Springs Watermelon Festival is happening Saturday, August 9, 2025.

Now that the summer is just about here in Oklahoma, folks are really gearing up for another successful watermelon festival. This is one of the most highly anticipated events in the state, with a intense pageant, contests and activities that really tie the "small town spirit" of Oklahoma together.

Earlier this month, the 2025 Rush Springs Watermelon Queen, Kylee Heston, was chosen out of the three candidates. Now, she's fulfilling her duties as queen and starting the long process of promoting this big festival, despite the fact that it is still months away from today, June 17.

Something this big has to be planned thoroughly and carefully - that's why they're celebrating their 80th year of success this year. All of the vendors and entertainment for this year's festival have already been selected.

Now the last, but most important, part of the entire festival is left to worry about: will this year's watermelons be in good supply for the festival?

Spring rains may have taken out roads, but they haven't stopped the watermelons.

One of the farms in Oklahoma that usually brings the most and the largest watermelons to the festival in the Miller Farms just off of the highway near Rush Springs. Earlier this month, they shared their thoughts about their watermelons on their Facebook page, saying:

"If I had to sum up the 2025 watermelon season in one word, it’d be resilience. Mother Nature didn’t hold back this year—she threw everything she had at us, and we came out swinging," they wrote. " I’ve got high hopes for this season. Not sure what’s stronger: these plants or the heart of a farmer!"

The good news is: the rains never stopped these suckers from growing. In fact, you can see several of their giant, family-sized watermelons all stocked up at their store in their recent photos, ready to be brought home.

Watermelons may have survived, but other crops like wheat aren't doing so great. In fact, farmers are actually behind on their harvests this year, according to Farm Progress, due to persistent rains.

Now the worry isn't about storms, but rather the uncomfortable heat about to make it's way to Oklahoma for the summer.