Sharon McCall, FWA Promotion Coordinator

The seeds flew for almost an hour before Darica Hewett received the coveted trophy and the new title of Florida Watermelon Week Capitol Seed Spitting Champion said Sharon McCall, Florida Watermelon Association (FWA) Promotion Coordinator.



Hewett won after she bested everyone by spitting one seed, yes one seed, 26 feet.

“We were given three tries, one seed at a time,” said Hewett.



It was fun said the former Lafayette County resident who now lives in Tallahassee and works with the Florida Department of Agriculture.



The ever popular seed spitting contest held at the Capitol Courtyard was just one of the week-long activities honoring Florida Watermelon Week proclaimed by Governor Jeb Bush June 1-7.



The FWA launched a statewide marketing campaign to increase public awareness of the health benefits of watermelons.



A “Kick Off” Celebration was held at the State Capitol in Tallahassee on May 30. Watermelon was the center of the festive atmosphere with special guests Annette Land, Florida Watermelon Association’s nominee and the recipient of the Florida Woman of the Year in Agriculture award, along with the Florida Watermelon Queen Savannah Bennett.

Watermelon activities were scheduled throughout the event including the seed spitting contest that drew several participants and media representatives.



Browning and Sons, Inc. of Madison provided watermelons for the celebration.



The marketing campaign also included appearances by the Florida Watermelon Queen, who travels throughout the United States promoting the Florida watermelon industry. She gives tips on the selection of watermelon in addition to discussing the nutritional and economic value of watermelons. During the week her guest appearances included radio and television programs, grocery stores, tourist attractions, a visit to the state capitol and Florida Welcome Centers.



The FWA also sponsored a Florida Watermelon Week poster contest. The contest included numerous entries in grades PK-5 from throughout Florida. Lafayette Co. kindergarten student Lianna Hickman was named as a second place winner. (Look for her photo in next week’s paper).



The FWA reports a very successful Florida Watermelon Week. For additional information on FWA activities or if you would like to schedule a promotion or appearance by the Florida Watermelon Queen please contact Sharon McCall, FWA Promotion Coordinator at (386) 294-2616 or smccall1@inetw.net.