RALEIGH – The State Farmers Market will host its annual Watermelon Day July 31 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Visitors can enjoy free slices of N.C. watermelon, get their photo taken with the N.C. Watermelon Queen and purchase locally grown watermelons from market vendors. The event also includes the largest-watermelon contest, with weigh-in at noon.
The grower with the largest watermelon by weight will win bragging rights and $1,000 in prize money. The second-heaviest melon will earn $500, the third-heaviest will earn $300 and the fourth-heaviest will earn $200. In 2013, Todd Dawson of Garner won first place with his 179.5- pound melon.
All entries must be from North Carolina, and growers must be prepared to identify where the watermelon was grown. Only one entry will be allowed per person. Entries will be accepted until 11:30 a.m. Melons should be free of decay and soft spots. Stems should be trimmed to 3 inches. All entries will become the property of the State Farmers Market following the weigh-in.
Watermelon Day is sponsored by the N.C. Watermelon Association, State Farmers Market Restaurant, R & H Produce, Ford’s Produce and the State Farmers Market. More information about this and other market events is available at www.statefarmersmarket.org.