Watermelon Weigh-Off, Saturday, September 3, 2011

In Hope, Arkansas, home to the world’s largest watermelons and the annual Watermelon Festival, a watermelon is not a watermelon unless it weighs at least 100lbs – and that’s a small one

The Old Washington Farmers’ Market, in cooperation with the Hope/Hempstead Chamber of Commerce and Historic Washington State Park, will hold the first Great Pumpkin Commonwealth (GPC) sanctioned watermelon weigh off in the area on Saturday, September 3, 2011 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. behind Washington Town Hall in Washington, Arkansas.

Some folks grow watermelons for the table, and others grow them for the market. But there’s a third, more elite, class of watermelon growers whose only concern is the scale - Giant watermelon growers.The Bright family of Arkansas has brought a wonderful legacy to our area with their world record breaking watermelons and we honor their commitment and dedication to the watermelon heritage of Hope, Arkansas by holding a watermelon weigh-off in their own backyard.

Watermelon growers from all over the South are invited to participate. For more information, call 870.983.2443 or email oldwashingtonfarmersmarket@gmail.com.

There are many events planned to accompany this big day, stay tuned for more details on our Art & Crafts Fair, kids activities, music and more!