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News Release 10-27-2003 |
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JUMBO WATERMELON ON DISPLAY The largest watermelon grown in the state this year is currently on display at Blue Smoke Salsa in Ansted. The 124.5-pound watermelon was grown by Mt. Lookout resident Walter Jones, who is also Blue Smoke’s leading pepper grower, according to company owner Robin Hildebrand. “Mr. Jones is in his late 80s and his produce is picture perfect,” said Hildebrand. “I always ask him when he’s going to start growing peppers as big as the watermelons.” Jones and Hildebrand meet each spring to discuss what her needs will be for the coming year and, “Jones plants appropriately,” she added. Although this year’s watermelon is not the all-time state record, Jones is the record holder. He grew a 130.5-pounder in 2001. The West Virginia Department of Agriculture’s Marketing and Development Division maintains records on freakishly large produce grown in the Mountain State. Farmers who think they have a record-setting piece of produce should have it weighed on certified scales and submit the paperwork to the Department of Agriculture. The current records are as follows:
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