Watermelon seeds fly at Payson Farmers Market

Winning seed flew 34.6 feet

Last week's winners of the Water Melon Seed Spittin' Contest are Colby Emery, 34'6" and 9-year-old Faith McGinnis, 21'

Story and photos by Farmers Market organizers Lorian and John Roethlein

Above: Winner Colby Emery who launched his seed 34'6" is shown with his family and Lorian Roethlein.

One of our farmers, Freddy Munoz of Da Nede Farms, wanted to see how big he could grow a watermelon. So, he grew “The Pig”, as he calls it, to 70.4 pounds, harvested it and brought it to the Payson Farmers Market Saturday, September 3, to give away to customers. Munoz cut up several other melons as well to give away to customers. These were grown for taste, not for size.

We had a great time. People from four to 70 years old tried their luck in windy conditions with the shortest seed flying less than a foot and the furthest flying a whopping 34 feet.  As a side note, no one had their teeth fly further than the seeds.

Da Nede Farms' Freddy Munoz gives a friend a ride on "The Pig".
Below: Contestants line up and let 'em fly.

Winner Faith McGinnis with her award and her grandpa.

The Payson Farmers Market continues through September every Saturday, 8 a.m. till noon in the Sawmill Theatre Parking Lot (behind Chili's). Stroll among the vendors offering fresh local produce, arts and crafts, prepared and ready-to-eat food, music and entertainment