Source: NCDA&CS, 7/28/11

Regional farmers will bring behemoth melons with them as they compete in a largest-watermelon contest during Watermelon Day at the State Farmers Market. In addition to watching the weigh-ins, visitors can enjoy free watermelon slices, pick up watermelon recipes and visit with N.C. Watermelon Queen Alycia McLamb.

Weigh-in for the competition begins at noon in the Farmers Building, and cash prizes will be awarded to the heaviest four melons: $1,000 for first, $500 for second, $300 for third and $200 for fourth place. Each grower may submit one melon, and all entries must be grown in North Carolina. Growers must be able to identify where the watermelon was grown.

Thursday, Aug. 4
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Farmers Building, State Farmers Market, 1201 Agriculture St.
Interstate 40, exit 297, Lake Wheeler Road

Donald Murphy of Pink Hill holds the record for largest watermelon at this annual contest. His 2002 entry weighed in at 231 pounds. The world record watermelon is 291 pounds.

Watermelon Day is sponsored by the N.C. Watermelon Association, State Farmers Market Restaurant, R&H Produce and the State Farmers Market. For more information about this and other events at the farmers market, go to http://ncagr.gov/markets/facilities/markets/raleigh/promos.htm.