Another big Blackburn watermelon 

Another big Blackburn watermelon

Close on the heels of his father Luther's win at the Tom Watson Watermelon Festival last month, Roy Blackburn of Lincolnton shows off his 45-pound melon grown in Lincolnton this year. "It ain't nearly big as the 68-pounder  I grew last year, but it was good for this year." Luther Blackburn received a first place prize of $300 for his 38.26 pound watermelon at the Tom Watson . Watermelon Festival at Hickory Hill in Thomson on August 2. Roy says that he and his father have sold more than 250 melons this year, mostly to Wills Memorial Hospital employees. "They just come running out when we bring a truckload," he said.