Appling County Fourth Grader Wins Watermelon Contest

Chris O'Kelley / Beasley Media Group

An Appling County fourth grader wins the 4-H Watermelon Growing Contest. The melon weighed in at more than 100 pounds.

4-H Watermelon Growing Contest

According to WSB-TV, Madelynn Murphy's winning watermelon weighed in at a huge 109.5 pounds. The official end to the contest was held on August 3rd, which is National Watermelon Day.

On the 4-H website for the contest, it says:

"Growing the heaviest watermelon incorporates the basic aptitude of measurement concepts. Preparation skills, research abilities, and patience in this field of agricultural and environmental sciences enhance the ability to excel in this competition."

More Winners from Appling

In addition, two other Appling County students came in second and third place in the Watermelon Growing Contest. Aiden Connell's watermelon was 92.5 pounds, and Chloe Boatwright's weighed in at 75 pounds. Weight was verified by the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension agents at county offices to ensure accuracy.

Also, each winner receives cash prizes and ribbons for their outstanding, and sizeable fruit entries.

The Georgia Watermelon Association and Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association are sponsors for this fun and educational contest.

Other Contests

Watermelons aren't the only produce with a contest. Coming up this fall, 4-H hosts a pumpkin growing contest. Submissions must be made by Friday, October 21st, and students must be a member for 4-H to enter.

Aiken Farmers Market

I checked out the Aiken Farmer's Market in downtown Aiken this past Saturday morning! If you're looking for vegetables, you'll find them there, I also saw birdhouses, custom drink coasters, bagels, sunflowers, and more. Great road trip on a Saturday if you're looking for something to do!

Here are a few pictures.

Sunflowers & A Stuffed Chicken....Ha!

Great Tomatoes!

Birdhouses

Coasters

Cool Rocks

Salsa

Boiled Peanuts

4-H Appling watermelon

CodyEditor

“Cody” Blaine Jackson is one half of the Kicks Wake Up Krew on Kicks 99, and also serves as the Digital Program Director for Beasley Media Group in Augusta. She’s a Georgia native but currently resides just across the river in South Carolina. She started in the radio industry as a part-time board operator, and moved up through various roles, including on-air positions and program director for multiple stations. Her passions include fitness and anything to do with animals, as she has two fur babies, her dogs Harley and Waylon. Cody likes to write about pets, fitness and Augusta local events.