July 12, 2015 - Years ago it was the drought; this year it was the rain. The largest watermelon entry for 2015 was Doug Cogswell's melon which weighed 96 pounds.
Not only was the number of entries low for the What-A-Melon Festival's biggest event but the scales didn't tip 100lbs. Farmers commented about the heavy amounts of rain affecting the watermelon entries to the festival.
Although the numbers were smaller than past years, the crowd didn't let it dampen the event and the Rotary Club of Center presented over $5,000 in prize money to the entries. Emcee for the watermelon weigh-in was Austin Wright who announced the results throughout the event.
Largest Watermelon Weigh-in Results:
1st place - Doug Cogswell, (96.0 lbs)
2nd place - Jenny Johnson, (87.0 lbs)
3rd place - Olivia Johnson, (84.0 lbs)
4th place - Jayden Akridge, (81.5 lbs)
5th place - Whitley Johnson, (74.5 lbs)
6th place - Bella Akridge, (73.0 lbs)
7th place - Louise Johnson, (64.0 lbs)
8th place - Tate Johnson, (63.0 lbs)
9th place - Jaleigh Johnson, (60.5 lbs)
10th place - Shelby Johnson, (60.0 lbs)
11th place - Jimmy Matthews, (59.75 lbs)
12th place - Renee Johnson, (55.5 lbs)
13th place - Bo Jordon, (50.5 lbs)
Past years 1st place melons
2014 - Weighed 144.00 lbs, Jimmy Matthews of Joaquin
2013 - Weighed 163.25 lbs, Olivia Johnson of Center
2012 - Weighed 168.75 lbs, Olivia Johnson of Center
2011 - Weighed 146.5 lbs, Olivia Johnson of Center
2010 - Weighed 147.00 lbs, Olivia Johnson of Center
2009 - Weighed 153.25 lbs, Olivia Johnson of Center
2008 - Weighed 151.75 lbs, Darrell Matthews of Joaquin
