Top prize $1,000

RALEIGH — The State Farmers Market is looking for the largest watermelon in North Carolina. The public weigh-in and awards ceremony is part of the market’s annual Watermelon Day Thursday, July 27, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Watermelon growers will have the chance to earn prize money and bragging rights during the Largest Watermelon Contest. The grower with the heaviest watermelon will win $1,000. The runner-up will earn $500, and third and fourth places will earn $300 and $200, respectively.

All entries must be from North Carolina, and growers must be prepared to identify where the watermelon was grown. Melons should be free of decay and soft spots, and stems should be trimmed to 3 inches. Only one entry per person will be allowed.

Entries will be accepted until 11:30 a.m., and the weigh-in will take place at noon. All entries will become the property of the State Farmers Market. The winning watermelon will be on display at the State Farmers Market Restaurant.

Other Watermelon Day activities include free watermelon slices and a visit from the N.C. Watermelon Queen. There also will be fresh local watermelons and watermelon products for sale.

Watermelon Day is sponsored by the N.C. Watermelon Association, State Farmers Market Restaurant, Ford’s Produce, R & H Produce and the State Farmers Market.

North Carolina is the seventh-largest producer of watermelons in the nation, yielding 201,376 pounds in 2016.

The State Farmers Market is one of four state-operated farmers markets in North Carolina. The market offers seasonal produce, fresh meats and seafood, and a large variety of specialty products. The market is also home to Market Imports, Super Sod and three restaurants. More information about Watermelon Day, the contest rules and other special events is available at www.statefarmersmarket.org.