With pieces of watermelons everywhere, Ball State students and alumni came out to the 38th-annual Watermelon Bust sponsored by Alpha Chi Omega and Delta Tau Delta on Saturday.
The event has a long-standing tradition featuring its unique main event, busting watermelons. With a watermelon theme, other events included the dunk tank where students could "dunk a Delt."
Emily Westermeier, president of Alpha Chi Omega, said the event had a total of 63 teams of six members each.
"An event like the Watermelon Bust brings out the best in the greek community," she said. "It brings everyone close together and it puts out a positive image."
Matt Whitlock, Student Government Association president, attended the Watermelon Bust as a member of FIJI and to support his fraternity brothers competing in the games.
"Greek life offers an interesting opportunity as far as philanthropy because you get to do events like this and have a blast while raising money for a good cause," Whitlock said. "It's the spirit of philanthropy."
Whitlock noted the long history of the event but said the sponsoring greek organizations manage to keep the event fresh.
"The theme is unique but still, with 39 years of tradition, you always have people come back every year," He said. "It's something that is different than other philanthropy events."
The event was moved to West Campus Field this year, a departure from its normal location at LaFollette Field.
Games were added, such as the watermelon seed-spitting contest and watermelon-eating contest, and the classic games such as tug-of-war, a relay race and the obstacle course made their appearance.
Only a few weeks after recruitment, new greek members had a chance to learn the ropes and experience Ball State greek life firsthand.
"It's neat because you get to meet the new members of the different chapters participating," Westermeier said. "And our new members get to help run the event lines, and they have the best job where they hold the signs for the lanes so you get to see the watermelon-pushing contest and side-to-side contest."
Austin Gerber, president of the Interfraternity Council, said the event went well, and it is good that the proceeds go to a good cause.
"[Watermelon Bust] gets people excited for philanthropy events coming up," he said. "It shows we are trying to reach out to other organizations to be a unified group."
All money raised, which had yet to be calculated, will go to the Boys and Girls Club of Muncie and A Better Way.
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