The seventh annual Habitat for Humanity Pie & Watermelon Eating Contest
Written and photographed by Will Yurman
Watermelon pieces are set for the first round at the seventh annual Habitat for Humanity Pie and Watermelon Eating Contest at the Port of Siuslaw in Florence on July 4, 2025.
Kids of all ages raced to devour watermelon and fruit pie at the annual Habitat For Humanity Pie and Watermelon Eating Contest, part of a day of Fourth of July festivities in Florence. Habitat for Humanity took over the event from the Florence Chamber of Commerce eight years ago, Habitat Director Janell Brekstad said.
“What is more Fourth of July than pie and watermelon? she asked with a laugh.”
Fred Meyer gave Habitat for Humanity a discount on the fruit pies. Why use fruit pies? “Because they are messy,” Brekstad said.Grocery Outlet donated the watermelons for the annual contest. The first round was for kids aged five to 10. Florence Mayor Rob Ward was one of the judges.
Harvey Maguire, 9, from Snohomish, Washington, competed in the first round of the watermelon-eating contest.
Maguire’s technique was a winning one. He finished first in his age group.
Justin Jackson, 31, of Florence, wins his third straight watermelon eating contest in the 16 to adult division.
“I just eat a lot as fast as I can,” Jackson said.
Cheering on the pie and watermelon competitors.Pearl Ikebe, 6, of Florence, after competing in the pie-eating contest.
