HOPE – Providing fun and laughs on the last day of the Watermelon Festival was the Politically Correct Watermelon Eating Contest. Even though neither the Governor of Arkansas nor a U.S. Senator showed up for the challenge this year, a healthy number of eager politicians took the stage to secure the win. The challenge is simple; to be the first to eat all of the red meat of the watermelon. One major absentee of the day was long-time champion, Sheriff James Singleton, which opened the door for another candidate to take the crown. After all was eaten and done, the top three were:
1st Place: State Senator Steve Crowell
2nd Place: Ethan Shadwick (Representative of Governor Sanders)
3rd Place: Hempstead County Clerk Karen Smith
Following the finish, we asked Senator Crowell the secret to doing well in this event, “Consistency! I just love taking part in this.”
Senator Steve Crowell with his 1st place trophy
Pictured: Let the eating begin!
Pictured from left to right: Senator Steve Crowell, Hope Mayor Don Still, State Representative Dolly Henley. Photos by Davis Johnson