93-Year-Old Watermelon Seller Keeps Community Spirit Alive

(Lafayette, Louisiana) - Last summer, we introduced you to Mr. John Gilbert, the elderly gentleman from Lafayette, who sells Sugartown Wartermelons.

Mr. John informed me last summer that he does this to stay busy, as he'd rather get out and meet people, rather than just sit in his house each and every day. However, the summer heat can be taxing for Mr. John, which is why I am sharing his story once again.

In the years past, he would set up "shop" in the parking lot of a gas station at Congress St. and Rue Du Belier, but this year, he was forced to relocate after another street venue claimed his old spot and would not consider allowing Mr. John back where he's been for years.

Now, Mr. John is just a few blocks away with his delicious Sugartown Watermelons, and you can find him ar RIdge Rd. and Rue Du Belier. He is parked in the Valero gas station lot near the roundabout, and you can't miss him.

After I found out where Mr. John is located now, I stopped by for a visit, and he informed me that he plans to make one more run to get the Sugartown Watermelons and that he will be in this location again next Friday, going into the Fourth of July weekend.

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When I arrived for our annual visit, Mr. John was sitting in his truck with a fan and an ice chest, greeting everyone as he always has, with a huge smile on his face.

If you love a sweet watermelon, I encourage you to stop by where Mr. John is located and get a melon, but more so, have a visit with him. You may find out, as I have, that he suffered from a storkke a few years ago, but he refuses to let that or his current back issues slow him down.

In the years past, Mr. John told me that he would sell on average just over 200 watermelons. After his story went viral here last summer, he sold over 800 delicious watermelons.

Here are a few photos from the gas station parking lot. I hope he sells out fast, as the heat can be very strenuous for the elderly. I did get a watermelon on my latest visit, and I can't wait to make another stop going into next weekend.

Cheers to this 93-year-old gentleman who should be an inspiration to all of us. After all, just look at the message on the cigar box that he uses for change, #KeepMoving.

LOOK: 5 Cajun Themed Emojis We Need On Our Phones in Louisiana

A couple of days ago, I wanted to use an emoji in a message that centered around the Cajun culture in Louisiana, and I was reminded that there is no emoji for what I was hoping to use.

After a few more searches for things we do or eat here, I learned that there are very few emojis in our smartphones that depict some of our favorites in South Louisiana.

Sure, we have all the emojis we need for sports, travel, weather, etc., but when it comes to activities and certain foods here in "Cajun Country," we are lacking many. Each year, Apple updates its list of emojis, so perhaps after this post, they may be inclined to add a few that represent Cajun Culture.

Here are a few emojis we need on our phones that represent our lifestyle in South Louisiana.

Gallery Credit: Chris Reed

Filed Under: watermelon