Washington watermelon weigh off Saturday

WASHINGTON – Bring your watermelon to get weighed tomorrow in Washington! On Saturday, August 31, the Old Washington Farmer’s Market will host an official watermelon weigh-off site for the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth in Washington, Arkansas. The event will begin at 9:00 am with local vendors selling produce and baked goods. The weigh off itself will begin at 11:00 am.  The Great Pumpkin Commonwealth provides official venues for growers to weigh several varieties of fruit and vegetables, including watermelons, across the country. They then give prizes for the largest weighed item of its type across the country.

This official weigh off event will be for watermelons ONLY. Prizes will be given out for the top three largest watermelons. First Place – $600, Second Place, — $400, and Third Place — $300.

A Youth category will also be included for watermelon growers that are 14 years of age and younger. Prizes for youth are as follows: First Place — $100, Second Place — $75, and Third Place — $50.

The weigh off is sponsored by: Holiday Inn Express and Hampton Inn & Suites of Hope, Lagrone Williams Hardware of Hope, Michelli Scales of Bossier City, and City of Washington Tourism.

 Only one official entry will be considered per farmer or team. Preregistration is not required for the event. The official weigh-off will begin around 11am.  The event will take place behind the City Hall of Washington, Arkansas across the street from Williams’ Tavern Restaurant of Historic Washington State Park. For more information on the weigh-off contact Josh Williams at 870-703-8256 or at joshuawilliams14@hotmail.com.

In addition to the Watermelon Weigh-Off , the Old Washington Farmer’s Market is encouraging other area farmers to come and sell any produce they may have. Market will begin at 9:00 am through the end of the weigh off at Noon.  For more information to register as a vendor contact the market at oldwashingtonfarmersmarket@gmail.com.