Whacking Watermelons . . (and other fun at FanFest)

The Merry Marketeers were dining at the Inner Harbor when Tweety remarked on the parade of lacrosse jerseys and other lax apparel passing by our window.  Yes, the changing of the guard has occurred -- soccer coaches out, lacrosse operatives in. 

Another weekend of fun and games (not to mention educational seminars and live field demonstrations) as another sport with great popularity has a pow-wow in town.   The locally-based US Lacrosse National Convention draws more than 5,000 coaches, officials, and administrators for the weekend, beginning today and running through Sunday at the Baltimore Convention Center.

So what does this have to do with whacking watermelons, you ask?

One of the most popular elements of the weekend traditionally occurs on Saturday.   Known as the Fan Fest, the exhibit hall featuring everything that is new and groovy is open to the general public.  Lacrosse players of all ages, along with family, friends, and frat brothers, can attend the largest lacrosse exhibition in the country. More than 140 vendors will showcase the latest in equipment, clothing and technology. Tickets can be purchased on site for the 12:00 - 4:00 pm event for $10.00.  Youngsters between 7 and 12 years of age are admitted for $5.00 if they wear their team jerseys, and those 6 and under are admitted free.

Among the premiere attractions this year (if one can judge by viral videos) is the Reebok Watermelon Challenge.   The science based demonstration of a model product is enlightening, particularly when the demonstration is by a couple of professional lacrosse players.  But the real challenge is getting enough velocity in the stick to take out a watermelon with a lacrosse ball.  That's downright hilarious.

In order to see what a sticky mess (and irresistable challenge) this is, tune in here:

Reebok promises to have pro and college stars stepping up to the challenge, but they are also inviting the fans to take a swing as well.  (Do you think they give out kewpie dolls?  This could replace the sledgehammer bell at the state fair.)

So join in the fun and come to the official kick-off of lacrosse season. Even if you don't get splattered (maybe they could throw in a seed spitting contest with the casualties) there will be lots to do, see, and learn.