“Eer” I get. You know, charioteers, buccaneers, profiteers, racketeers, mutineers, mouseketeers …
The “melon” part, not so much.
Actually, though, there is some logic behind this one. In fact, Rocky Ford has been called the “sweet melon capital,” “Watermelon Metropolis,” and “Melon Capital of the World.”
And why is that, you may ask. Turns out Rocky Ford’s melons are the sweetest in the country, for several reasons:
- Change in temperature from day to night (the biggest in the country)
- Lack of excess water
- High mineral content of the clay soil
According to the town website, Lucille Ball “was reportedly such a fan she had Rocky Ford melons delivered to her dressing room.”
The town itself? It was founded in 1871 by one G.W. Swink. Today, it has a population of 3,900. It’s in the southeast part of the state (i.e., super flat), on the Arkansas River. And would you believe they’ve been holding a Watermelon Day there for almost 150 years?
The high school is small, with only about 275 students. They still manage to field nine different teams, including football. Their wrestling team is top notch. From 1976 to 1990, they won 10 state wrestling championships.
And then there’s that mascot. The city’s website calls it a “muscular melon,” which it most surely is. Kinda angry too.
The school really plays it up. Their motto is “Fear the melon.” And indoor sports are played in the Melondome. Gotta love it.
Gee, thanks, Mr. Getty
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