Deadline Today: Watermelon Growers Invited to Enter Largest What-A-Melon Contest

2016 top three melons all weighed in more than 100 lbs!June 23, 2017 (Entry Form) - Shelby County watermelon growers are invited to bring their largest watermelon to the 28th Annual East Texas What-A-Melon Festival on the downtown Center square. The festival is July 6th, 7th, and 8th!

The 2016 largest melon weighed a whopping 112 lbs and was raised by Doug Cogswell who also clinched the 2015 contest as well. Over $5,000 was given in prize money last year with $2,500 going to the first place winner.

Whose melon will weigh in as the largest of the festival for 2017 and leave with the big bucks? The weigh in is Thursday, July 6th at 6pm. The winning melon will be on display for the duration of the festival for visitors to see and for photo opportunities.

Entry deadline is Friday, June 23, 2017. Melons must be grown in Shelby County and all entries will be marked while attached to the vine by festival judges. Entry forms can be dropped off at Brookshire Brothers on Hurst Street in Center or can be mailed to Chandra Atholi, 301 Wulf Creek Drive, Center, Texas 75935 or faxed to 936-591-8884.

The What-A-Melon Festival is hosted by the Center Rotary Club.