Watermelon weigh-off is slated for next weekend

WASHINGTON, Ark. — The Old Washington Farmer’s Market and Historic Washington State Park in cooperation with the Hope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce will host an official watermelon weigh-off site on Saturday, Aug. 31 for the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth.

This official weigh-off event will be for watermelons only.

Prizes totaling $1,000 will be given out for the three largest watermelons. Watermelon farmers should register entries by 9 a.m. Only one official entry will be considered per farmer or team and pre-registration is not required. The official weigh-off will begin around 11 a.m. The event will take place behind the city hall of Washington, Arkansas, across the street from Williams’ Tavern Restaurant of Historic Washington State Park.

The Great Pumpkin Commonwealth provides

official venues for growers to weigh several varieties of fruit and vegetables, including watermelons, across the country. They give prizes for the largest weighed item of its type across the country.

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 encourages area farmers to sell any produce they may have and also encourages any vendors of homemade goods that would like to participate.

For more information or to register as a vendor, contact the market at 870-7037892 or at oldwashingtonfarmersmarket@gmail.com.

Washington, Arkansas, is on U.S. Highway 278 eight miles north of Hope.