July 7, 2016 - It's time for the Largest Watermelon Contest! This year the largest watermelon weigh-in has been moved to 5pm Thursday, July 7th on the downtown Center Square.
Last year the largest Watermelon was grown by Doug Cogswell and was 96 pounds. By no means is 96 pounds small; however, the top weighing melons typically come in weighing over 100 pounds.
Heavy amounts of rain affected last years crop. This year's weather has hopes high the largest watermelons entered into the contest will easily tip the scales over 100.
Come on down to the East Texas What-A-Melon Festival and join the crowd in seeing what size watermelons Shelby County produced this year. All entries were grown in Shelby County and marked on the vine before coming to the show.
Past years 1st place melons
2015 - Weighed 96.00 lbs, Doug Cogswell of Joaquin
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
