Georgia Southern University’s 66th annual Watermelon Cutting will be held today at 10 a.m., on the Pedestrium next to the Carruth Building.

University President Brooks Keel, Ph.D., and First Lady Tammie Schalue, Ph.D., will serve slices of watermelon to students, faculty and staff on campus.

The tradition of the watermelon cuttings came about in 1948, when President Zach S. Henderson provided students, faculty and staff with a cool treat during the hot summer months.

Since then, the President is given the honor of slicing the first melon of the summer to serve the ice-cold melons to the students, faculty and staff of GSU.

Curtis Frink, who has sliced the locally grown watermelons for years, has stood next to every president since the tradition began and makes sure there is enough watermelon for everyone.

More than 200 watermelons are iced down a week before the cuttings.

The watermelon slices are served with forks, napkins and shakers of salt.

The tradition will continue on July 10, 17 and 24.