Hal Vaughn Retains Title With Largest Melon In 2020 Contest

Hal Vaughn accepts the $250 check for first place from Chamber President Raymond Hawkins. – Photo by Jessie Gurner

The weigh-in for Largest Watermelon Contest, sponsored by Mechanics Bank, Valley Lumber and Hardware and Williamson Family Farms, was held at noon on August 1, at the office of the Water Valley Area Chamber of Commerce. The event was streamed live on Facebook.

The official weigh-in was conducted by Chamber President Raymond Hawkins and Board Member Justin Canterbury. The first place winner of the $250 prize was Hal Vaughn with a Carolina Cross watermelon that weighed 166.7 pounds. Taking second place of $175 was Jerry Vaughn, also entering a Carolina Cross, that weighed 122.6 pounds. Hal Vaughn was also the winner of the 2019 contest with a 202.1 pound melon.

After the winners were announced, online bidding was opened. The first place watermelon was purchased by Tonya Eubanks for $200 on behalf of the Water Valley High School Senior Class of 2021. The second place winner was purchased for $150 by The Simmons House Historic Venue and Inn and donated to the Water Valley police and fire department