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UC San Diego

Students Gather to Celebrate UC San Diego’s Oldest Tradition

Hundreds of students showed up Friday for the 48th Annual Watermelon Drop. <br> <br>Photos by Erik Jepsen/UC San Diego Publications

Left, Ari Ananda and Rachna Gulati sing a watermelon rendition of The Fresh Prince at the Watermelon Pageant.

Adam Espiritu plays a blend of Disney songs with a watermelon theme at the Watermelon Pageant.

Megan Fay sings a watermelon rendition of Call Me Maybe during the Watermelon Pageant.

Judges announce who will be this year's Watermelon Queen.

Ari Ananda and Rachna Gulati stand in excitement after being announced as the 2012 Watermelon Queens.

UC San Diego's Pepband play for students during the Watermelon drop.

Anita Dhuri and Kyla Manawatao MC for the watermelon drop.

Watermelon Queens Ari Ananda and Rachna Gulati arrive with the watermelon.

UC San Diego’s oldest tradition, every year a watermelon is dropped from the 7th floor of Urey Hall.

Students watch in anticipation for the watermelon drop.

Watermelon Queens Ari Ananda and Rachna Gulati throw the watermelon off the 7th floor of Urey Hall.

This year's splat extended 133 feet, 7 inches from the point of impact. While impressive, it did not break the record set in 1974 of 161feet, 4 inches.

Free watermelon was handed out to all in attendance.

Students enjoy free watermelon in Revelle Plaza.

UC San Diego’s The Beat performs during the 48th Annual Watermelon Pageant.

Free burgers were handed out to students, faculty, and staff following the watermelon drop.

Students could grab free watermelon following the drop.

Free watermelon stress relievers were passed out during the watermelon drop.

2012 Watermelon Drop t-shirts were available for purchase.