46TH ANNUAL WATERMELON FESTIVAL FULL OF FOOD, FUN, SMILES AND LOTS OF MEMORIES MADE

By Scott Jester, 08/15/22 2:17 AM

Heading into the 46^th Annual Hope Watermelon Festival at mid-morning on Saturday, folks are arriving, pictures being taken, memories starting to take place. The weather this year was beautiful, with seasonal warm temps with a light breeze. Vendors seemed satisfied and the unmistakable aroma of sausages with onions and peppers were wafting down the walkway, then to glance to the side to see the ever-sinful funnel cake.

From the Kids Zone to the Car Show, then to the back with the “Rusty Wheels” crew keeping things in order, there was plenty to take in for folks young and old.

But, it was unmistakable that the crowds had someone special in their midst as current Arkansas Governor candidate Sarah Huckabee Sanders’, big red bus caught much interest down by the big stage.

Yes, she was here to shake hands and kiss babies. She even got a Happy Birthday serenade from the growing crowd as she celebrated with family and friends around a 60-plus-pound birthday cake.

But, Sanders had to turn her attention to what she really came for and that was the watermelon eating contest that her husband, Brian, would be representing the family. Lots on the line here for ol’ Brian.

But, in the end, current Attorney General candidate Jesse Gibson took home the winner’s trophy. Brian was a close runner-up. There was a photo finish for third that had to be sent out for development. More to come.

Sarah made her way through the crowd and blended in with many supporters who casually introduced themselves to the top-shelf talent for the Governorship.

She was then available for a couple of questions and standing in front of a political figure of her stature and asking her political questions was a bit daunting. To have her answer questions much like she had the privilege to do as Press Secretary for President Trump, many times working with a hostile press.

Instead, Saturday, she got an older man in an Astros cap.

It was easy for her to remark on what it’s like to be back to the hometown of her parents and grandparents.

“It’s pretty exciting to be back here,” she began. “It’s the homeplace of both my parents and grand-parents and I had been her a lot as a kid. I don’t know how many Watermelon Festivals I’ve been to, it’s definitely in double digits. It’s a lot of fun to be back here with my family and celebrate with a lot of old friends and some new ones too.”

Onto the campaign and upcoming election, how is everything shaping up for her becoming the next Governor of Arkansas?

“Things are going excellent,” she stated. “So far, we couldn’t ask for it to be any better. We announced our candidacy a year-and-a-half ago and the enthusiasm and support we have seen in every corner of the state is overwhelming in a good way.

“We absolutely love Arkansas and getting to go and campaign in every part of it,” she continued. “We were able to go to all 75 counties. It’s just tremendous support.

“People are hungry for leadership to fight back against a radical out-of-control Washington, but also move our state forward. We plan to focus on policies that advance Arkansas to the top,” she declared.

“That’s the message we have been spreading and it’s resonating because the numbers reflect in. We are very excited about it,” she concludes.

All-in-all, the 46^th Watermelon Festival was the perfect event to spend a day among friends, make memories of laughing at the seed-spitting contest, take a ride on a camel, get a 16-inch corndog with a side of onion rings, but don’t leave without saving space for a delicious slice of the wonderful fruit we all celebrate.

A slice of the good life.