The judges have weighed and it’s official: Lloyd Bright has taken grand prize melon with a 144-lb whopper, just edging out his sister, Barbara Jones’ 140-lb beauty! A 95-lb melon grown by the Bright family is also on the books.

Special thanks to our judges,Clay Wingfield, retired University of Arkansas horticulture program associate and Daniel Rivera, center director at the University of Arkansas Southwest Research and Extension Center

Be sure to check out all the great festivities tonight through Sunday at the Hope Watermelon Festival!

Are you a SW AR watermelon grower or aspiring grower? We are interested in making contact with you about upcoming educational events and opportunities. Pick up a survey at the melon fest inside the coliseum foyer, or contact the Hempstead County Cooperative Extension Service at 870-777-5771. Also, help yourselves to recipe cards, compliments of the watermelon promotion board.