THAYER — The 114th Thayer Homecoming celebration kept true to its roots during the coronation of the Watermelon Queen on Friday, Aug. 29.
Queen candidates included: Laney Holtzman, Rylie Rehemert, Kynlee Greif, Emi Carrico, Abi Caricco, Bailey Schulz, and Aubrey Babcock.
“It is a very, very, longstanding tradition,” Thayer Booster Club Secretary Donna Dyke said. “I don’t know if it has been around as long as Homecoming, but it’s been around all of my life, and before that.”
In Thayer, Homecoming is a community-wide celebration of community, and not associated with a home sporting event.
“It’s kind of evolved over the years,” Dyke said. “It used to be the Watermelon Homecoming Festival because we had several families that grew watermelons, some of them for a living.”
Dyke said today, there is one individual who still grows watermelon locally.
“At one time, we were known as the watermelon capital of Kansas. I think at one time, it was said we were the watermelon capital of the world, but I’m not sure if that was ever really true,” Dyke said.
Preparations take the Booster Club all year, according to Dyke.
“My favorite thing about Homecoming is probably the sense of tradition and the fact that I can come to Homecoming and see people I haven’t seen since last Homecoming,” Dyke said.
Other traditions include a watermelon feed, a watermelon spitting contest, the baby contest, a horse shodeo, a pony pull, and a parade. Other contests like Cow Patty Bingo, mutton busting, a bass tournament, turtle races, a dog show, a car show, and other events fill the community with opportunities for fun, friendly competition, and connection.
The event also features local produce to be judged and an auction, which raises funds for the Booster Club’s efforts throughout the year.
“Our community members graciously buy tons of baked goods at a very inflated price. Everyone loves the competition of driving up the bids against their neighbors,” Dyke said.
However, Dyke notes that the Watermelon Queen Coronation is one of the most important annual events.
Candidate Kynlee Greif provided a prayer ahead of the coronation. Emilee Reed announced the candidates, and Kayci Raida, the 2024 Watermelon Queen, read an address to the crowd gathered near the bandstand.
“Standing here tonight, I am filled with so many emotions; gratitude, pride, and honestly a little disbelief that the year had already flew by,” Raida said. “Representing Thayer has meant so much more than simply wearing a crown or waving in the parade. It’s been about celebrating the heart and soul of our community; our hardworking farmers, our family traditions, and a pride that runs so deep in our town.”
Raida reflected on her experience as Watermelon Queen and noted that she has learned more than expected from her reign. She said she has strengthened her confidence and leadership skills.
“You don’t have to be perfect to do something meaningful,” Raida said to young girls in the audience. “You don’t have to have everything figured out. You just need to be brave enough to try, and kind enough to stay true to yourself.”
Raida said that Thayer may be small, but it grows big dreams.
In results: Kynlee Greif was named second runner-up; first runner-up was Abi Carrico; and Laney Holtzman was crowned the 2025 Watermelon Queen.
“I’m very happy that I get to represent Thayer like this,” Holtzman said. “Both sides of my family have always done it. It’s like a big tradition in our family. I thought it would be really cool if I could be a part of it.”
Following the Watermelon Queen Coronation, attendees witnessed the Baby contest, and then live music performed by Copper Flat.
“My favorite thing is just seeing all the friends and family come together,” Thayer’s Mayor, Anna Gindlesberger, said. “Homecoming brings everyone together.”
