home

Most places, it may be just another day, but in Oriental, the ‘Second Sunday in August’ means Watermelon at The Bonds. For just about half a century, there’s been a standing invite: Go to the Bonds’ yard at Neuse & Ragan, and help yourself to a slice or two of watermelon. This year, that 2nd Sunday falls on August 14 and Miss Fay and family start serving slices at 4p.

The tradition goes back to the 1960’s when Fay and her late husband, John, would bring watermelons from Bertie County and cut and serve them on the front lawn. The scene has remained one great slice of summer. If you’re in town – if you’re reading this – consider yourself invited. (The Bonds’ guests aren’t the only ones to benefit; a very particular recycling system accumulates a plentiful supply of rinds for the turtles in the adjacent creek.) For a look at what it’s all about, click here.