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Susanna Foxworthy
Features Editor
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The first recorded watermelon harvest occurred almost 5,000 years ago in ancient Egypt. Today, brothers of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity continue the celebration complete with sumo suit wrestling, tug of war and a watermelon bust queen competition.

This year, the event will take place more than a month earlier than in previous years to allow time for a fuller event schedule. President of Lambda Chi Alpha Ben Nicholas is already busy laying the groundwork to mentor a new colony of the fraternity opening at Ball State. Members of the Butler chapter will serve as big brothers and help establish the house in Muncie.

“This year, we can concentrate more on relationships with other groups on and off campus. We’re focusing on academics, philanthropic events and reestablishing the house in a positive way,” Nicholas said.

Nicholas and his brothers are also helping plan the centennial celebration for the fraternity whose headquarters is in Indianapolis. Next July, alumni from around the country will meet at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in downtown Indianapolis and attend a ceremonial General Assembly and black tie gala at Butler.

This week, Lambda will kick off its first event at Butler, Watermelon Bust, to raise money for the North American Food Drive. They will work with this organization as well as Gleaner’s food bank throughout the year to raise money at events including their second annual haunted house.

“Last year was a good first step for starting events such as the haunted house,” Nicholas said. “We plan to continue, and the sky’s the limit.”

Events for Watermelon Bust

Wednesday, September 3rd- Ice cream Social, Corn Hole, Washers

Thursday, September 4th- Watermelon Judging and Sumo Suit Wrestling

Friday, September 5th- “Slip and Slide” and Tug of War

Saturday, September 6th- Queen, Dance, and Field Competitions, Grill Out