How to Make a 4th of July Jack-o-lantern Out of a Watermelon: a Fourth-o-Lantern

Don't toss away that watermelon rind after the 4th of July celebration, turn it into a Fourth-o-Lantern. Pumpkins shouldn't get to have all of the fun!

It's easy and fun (like carving a pumpkin), but there are some minor melon-specific tricks that are different from a pumpkin.

Step 1: Materials and Tools

watermelon
knife
spoon or scooper
toothpicks
candle

Step 2: Prep the Rind

The only real difference between a jack-o-lantern and Fourth-o-lantern is that you usually get the pumpkin to carve it, but you get the watermelon to eat. With a Fourth-o-lantern, you plan to carve and eat it. So, slicing the watermelon needs a little pre-thinking.

1. Slice the watermelon in such a way that (a) you can eat it and (b) it can be used for the Fourth-o-lantern. I just sliced it in half across its "belly."
2. Scoop out the good stuff and eat it.
3. Shave the inside with your spoon to clean it out down to the rind.
4. A watermelon likely won't stand up like a pumpkin. So, you'll probably need to slice off a small piece on the bottom half. Try not to slice all the way through else the watermelon juice will run out everywhere.
5. On the top half, cut out the candle hole lid just like you'd do with a pumpkin. Be sure to angle your knife so that the lid won't fall into the melon.

Step 3: Assemble, Carve, and Finish

1. To prevent the top half from slipping around, put a few toothpicks in the bottom. Then slide the top half down onto the bottom.
2. Start carving!
3. Put in the candle.
4. Light it up!