It's that time of year again! Everyone is ramping up for the festival and while some prepare their wares for a booth or practice their skill for a contest, others are setting up shop in various stands across town to sell watermelons to locals and tourists alike. So in honor of the upcoming festivities, SWARK.Today is going to feature these watermelon stands and those who work hard each day to bring us one of our favorite summer treats! Part 1 of this series is about a very unique watermelon stand that brings with it an unexpected twist: Bodcaw Watermelons sold by David McNiel.

Usually when people are driving down the road and they see a watermelon stand, they think two things simultaneously: "Ooh, some watermelon would be pretty tasty right now!" and "Dang! It's too hot to be sitting out there all day. Poor guy!" However, when you see this stand on North Hervey across from Bank of Ozark and Dollar Tree, there is a third thought: "Shaved ice? Wow!" Yes, shaved ice... but it works!

David McNiel is selling his Bodcaw Watermelons for the second year in a row. He has various sizes with prices ranging from $6 to $15. These Bodcaw Watermelons have already grown quite the fan base with repeat customers showing up all throughout the day for another sweet, juicy watermelon. This year, however, David decided to add something new and unique to the mix: shaved ice. David's shaved ice stand, Brain Freezers, is situated just behind the watermelon stand and features a long list of delicious flavors with new ones arriving all the time. Brain Freezers' newest flavors are Pink Lemonade and Red Velvet Cake and they are scrumptious!

Bodcaw Watermelons and Brain Freezers are located at 1302 North Hervey. They are open Monday - Saturday 11am to 8pm and Sunday 12pm to 8pm. Stop in and see David for a heavenly, sweet watermelon or a delectable, cold shaved ice.... or how about both??

Stay tuned to SWARK.Today for Part 2 of "It's a Watermelon Life."