The State Farmers Market’s will mark Watermelon Day on Thursday, August 6, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Visitors to the farmers market will be able to sample fresh watermelon, pick up recipes and meet the N.C. Watermelon Queen Kensley Leonard.
The weigh-in for the state’s largest watermelon starts at noon in the Farmers Building, with cash prizes awarded to the top four fruits, including $600 for first, $400 for second, $300 for third and $200 for fourth place.
All entries must be grown in North Carolina, and growers must be able to identify what area each watermelon is from.
If you pick up some melons, here are some tips for selecting the very best melon:
- Choose a watermelon symmetrical in shape without dents, bruises and cuts.
- Thump, if you must (listen for dull hollow sound).
- Turn watermelon over. The underside should be creamy yellow with a healthy sheen to the rind.
- Store cut watermelons in refrigerator and cover cut surface loosely with plastic wrap. Uncut watermelons keep at room temperature for up to two weeks.