Sometime near the turn of the 20th century, a farmer in Florida developed a thick-rind watermelon that grew to impressive sizes (sometimes 60 pounds or more) and they were fabulous for shipping all over the country. Being a Populist, the man named his melon for Thomas E. Watson, the noted Populist statesman from Thomson, Georgia. Since that time, the Tom Watson melon has shown up in county fairs winning blue ribbons.

In celebration of those melons, the Watson-Brown Foundation is hosting its third annual Tom Watson Watermelon Festival on Saturday, August 12, 2006, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., in Thomson. This free family festival features arts and crafts, games, contests, antique tractors, historic demonstrations, lots of food, great music, and plenty of free watermelons.

This year the festival will welcome Skyla Spencer, an upcoming Nashville county music artist, and Thomson's own Cross-tie Walkers to our stage.

"We are currently seeking arts and crafts vendors for the festival," said Michelle Zupan. "Arts and crafts booths rent for $25 for a 10x10' space. Vendors must submit an application and a photograph of their art or craft item. Last year's festival was very well attended, and this year promises to be much bigger," she added.

Contact Zupan at 706-595-7777 to secure an application for either type of booth or for additional information. The application deadline is July 15, 2006. The festival will be held at Hickory Hill, the historic home of Thomas E. Watson, at 502 Hickory Hill Drive, in Thomson.