VIDEO: Cardboard Boat Regatta and Greased Watermelons, a Maryland Tradition

The members of Southdown Pool in Edgewater held their annual Family Day on Sunday, with a greased watermelon competition, a cardboard boat regatta and a cake walk, among other family-friendly activities. There were hot dogs and hamburgers hot off the grill and of course plenty of time to visit with people you only see during the summer.

The swim club tradition in Maryland dates to the 1940s, when swimming clubs popped up in neighborhoods throughout the Baltimore and Washington metropolitan area.

Here is a little video of the Southdown Pool Family Day traditions:

Incidentally, Baltimore swim clubs were the filming location for much of the John Waters movie, “Cry Baby” set in the 1950s and starring Johnny Depp during the height of his 21 Jump Street fame. It isn’t rated as one of John Waters’ best films, but it has its fans—and with guest appearances by Iggy Pop and Joe Dallesandro, it might be worth a look.