Cordele is known as the ‘Watermelon Capital of the World,’ for its production of seedless, red watermelons. However, the title has been widely disputed for decades. Though Crisp County doesn’t produce the largest quantity of watermelons, it certainly produces some of the best in the country. One of Cordele’s most anticipated events stems from its hard-won title. The annual Watermelon Days Festival attracts locals and visitors from all over the country.
The Watermelon Days Festival hit its 70th anniversary in 2019 and continues annually today. The event features:
- 4H dog show
- Horseshoe tournament
- Fishing rodeo
- Watermelon decorating content
- Seed spitting content, and more<
Book a private flight to the jet charter airport in Cordele during the festival and enjoy the sweet life for yourself.
Even though it was once the temporary capital of Georgia back in 1864, Cordele wasn’t founded until 1888 by J.E.D. Shipp of Americus. At the end of that year, on December 22, Cordele was incorporated and named after Cordelia Hawkins, daughter of the president of the prominent railroad in the area.
Popular attractions in the Cordele area include:
- Georgia Veterans State Park
- Watermelon Capital Speedway
- Titan I Missile
- SAM Shortline Excursion Train
- Lake Blackshear Resort Golf Club
- Cordele Railway Park
