NEWS64th annual Watermelon Festival in MonticelloBicycle daredevils entertained the crowd with fancy riding tricks on Saturday. The Monticello Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 64th Annual Watermelon Festival in Monticello, Florida on Saturday, June 21, 2014. Local farms began growing watermelons during the late 1800s. By 1884, Jefferson County was considered the top watermelon seed supplier in the world. The Watermelon Festival is the highlight of community activities in Jefferson County. Started over 50 years ago to recognize the watermelon growers of the county, the festival includes beauty pageants, dinners, street dance, arts and crafts, melon run, sports events, and parade.Mike Ewen/DemocratRobert Smith reaches for a sweet watermelon on Saturday. The Monticello Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 64th Annual Watermelon Festival in Monticello, Florida on Saturday, June 21, 2014. Local farms began growing watermelons during the late 1800s. By 1884, Jefferson County was considered the top watermelon seed supplier in the world. The Watermelon Festival is the highlight of community activities in Jefferson County. Started over 50 years ago to recognize the watermelon growers of the county, the festival includes beauty pageants, dinners, street dance, arts and crafts, melon run, sports events, and parade.Mike Ewen/DemocratA pair of sisters squeeze themselves into one chair along the parade route on Saturday. The Monticello Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 64th Annual Watermelon Festival in Monticello, Florida on Saturday, June 21, 2014. Local farms began growing watermelons during the late 1800s. By 1884, Jefferson County was considered the top watermelon seed supplier in the world. The Watermelon Festival is the highlight of community activities in Jefferson County. Started over 50 years ago to recognize the watermelon growers of the county, the festival includes beauty pageants, dinners, street dance, arts and crafts, melon run, sports events, and parade.Mike Ewen/DemocratThe Swamp Thing was a crowd favorite as it made it's trek around the Jefferson County Courthouse on Saturday. The Monticello Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 64th Annual Watermelon Festival in Monticello, Florida on Saturday, June 21, 2014. Local farms began growing watermelons during the late 1800s. By 1884, Jefferson County was considered the top watermelon seed supplier in the world. The Watermelon Festival is the highlight of community activities in Jefferson County. Started over 50 years ago to recognize the watermelon growers of the county, the festival includes beauty pageants, dinners, street dance, arts and crafts, melon run, sports events, and parade.Mike Ewen/DemocratMarzuq Shriners from Perry, Florida woved the crowds with some unusual vehicles along the parade route on Saturday. The Monticello Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 64th Annual Watermelon Festival in Monticello, Florida on Saturday, June 21, 2014. Local farms began growing watermelons during the late 1800s. By 1884, Jefferson County was considered the top watermelon seed supplier in the world. The Watermelon Festival is the highlight of community activities in Jefferson County. Started over 50 years ago to recognize the watermelon growers of the county, the festival includes beauty pageants, dinners, street dance, arts and crafts, melon run, sports events, and parade.Mike Ewen/DemocratBob Berner brought his alligator friend to Saturday's parade. "Children like him," Berner said. "The parents are a bit more scared of him." The Monticello Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 64th Annual Watermelon Festival in Monticello, Florida on Saturday, June 21, 2014. Local farms began growing watermelons during the late 1800s. By 1884, Jefferson County was considered the top watermelon seed supplier in the world. The Watermelon Festival is the highlight of community activities in Jefferson County. Started over 50 years ago to recognize the watermelon growers of the county, the festival includes beauty pageants, dinners, street dance, arts and crafts, melon run, sports events, and parade.Mike Ewen/DemocratGwen Graham, running for Congress, had her message carved into a watermelon on Saturday. The Monticello Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 64th Annual Watermelon Festival in Monticello, Florida on Saturday, June 21, 2014. Local farms began growing watermelons during the late 1800s. By 1884, Jefferson County was considered the top watermelon seed supplier in the world. The Watermelon Festival is the highlight of community activities in Jefferson County. Started over 50 years ago to recognize the watermelon growers of the county, the festival includes beauty pageants, dinners, street dance, arts and crafts, melon run, sports events, and parade.Mike Ewen/DemocratJayce Braswell keeps entertained with a smartphone before Saturday's parade in Monticello. The Monticello Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 64th Annual Watermelon Festival in Monticello, Florida on Saturday, June 21, 2014. Local farms began growing watermelons during the late 1800s. By 1884, Jefferson County was considered the top watermelon seed supplier in the world. The Watermelon Festival is the highlight of community activities in Jefferson County. Started over 50 years ago to recognize the watermelon growers of the county, the festival includes beauty pageants, dinners, street dance, arts and crafts, melon run, sports events, and parade.Mike Ewen/DemocratCongressional cantidate Gwen Graham pressed the flesh during her walk along the parade route on Saturday. The Monticello Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 64th Annual Watermelon Festival in Monticello, Florida on Saturday, June 21, 2014. Local farms began growing watermelons during the late 1800s. By 1884, Jefferson County was considered the top watermelon seed supplier in the world. The Watermelon Festival is the highlight of community activities in Jefferson County. Started over 50 years ago to recognize the watermelon growers of the county, the festival includes beauty pageants, dinners, street dance, arts and crafts, melon run, sports events, and parade.Mike Ewen/DemocratThe Monticello Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 64th Annual Watermelon Festival in Monticello, Florida on Saturday, June 21, 2014. Local farms began growing watermelons during the late 1800s. By 1884, Jefferson County was considered the top watermelon seed supplier in the world. The Watermelon Festival is the highlight of community activities in Jefferson County. Started over 50 years ago to recognize the watermelon growers of the county, the festival includes beauty pageants, dinners, street dance, arts and crafts, melon run, sports events, and parade.Mike Ewen/DemocratFancy and antique autos motor their way along the parade route on Saturday. The Monticello Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 64th Annual Watermelon Festival in Monticello, Florida on Saturday, June 21, 2014. Local farms began growing watermelons during the late 1800s. By 1884, Jefferson County was considered the top watermelon seed supplier in the world. The Watermelon Festival is the highlight of community activities in Jefferson County. Started over 50 years ago to recognize the watermelon growers of the county, the festival includes beauty pageants, dinners, street dance, arts and crafts, melon run, sports events, and parade.Mike Ewen/DemocratA Watermelon Festival visitor found a colorful way to beat the heat on Saturday. The Monticello Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 64th Annual Watermelon Festival in Monticello, Florida on Saturday, June 21, 2014. Local farms began growing watermelons during the late 1800s. By 1884, Jefferson County was considered the top watermelon seed supplier in the world. The Watermelon Festival is the highlight of community activities in Jefferson County. Started over 50 years ago to recognize the watermelon growers of the county, the festival includes beauty pageants, dinners, street dance, arts and crafts, melon run, sports events, and parade.Mike Ewen/DemocratColorfully dressed actors walk along the parade route on Saturday. The Monticello Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 64th Annual Watermelon Festival in Monticello, Florida on Saturday, June 21, 2014. Local farms began growing watermelons during the late 1800s. By 1884, Jefferson County was considered the top watermelon seed supplier in the world. The Watermelon Festival is the highlight of community activities in Jefferson County. Started over 50 years ago to recognize the watermelon growers of the county, the festival includes beauty pageants, dinners, street dance, arts and crafts, melon run, sports events, and parade.Mike Ewen/DemocratSchool Board cantidate Julia McBee greets festival watchers on Saturday. The Monticello Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 64th Annual Watermelon Festival in Monticello, Florida on Saturday, June 21, 2014. Local farms began growing watermelons during the late 1800s. By 1884, Jefferson County was considered the top watermelon seed supplier in the world. The Watermelon Festival is the highlight of community activities in Jefferson County. Started over 50 years ago to recognize the watermelon growers of the county, the festival includes beauty pageants, dinners, street dance, arts and crafts, melon run, sports events, and parade.Mike Ewen/DemocratArianne Brown was this year's tiny miss watermelon queeen. The Monticello Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 64th Annual Watermelon Festival in Monticello, Florida on Saturday, June 21, 2014. Local farms began growing watermelons during the late 1800s. By 1884, Jefferson County was considered the top watermelon seed supplier in the world. The Watermelon Festival is the highlight of community activities in Jefferson County. Started over 50 years ago to recognize the watermelon growers of the county, the festival includes beauty pageants, dinners, street dance, arts and crafts, melon run, sports events, and parade.Mike Ewen/DemocratA member of the Calvary Baptist Church preaches the gospel during his trek along the parade route. The Monticello Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 64th Annual Watermelon Festival in Monticello, Florida on Saturday, June 21, 2014. Local farms began growing watermelons during the late 1800s. By 1884, Jefferson County was considered the top watermelon seed supplier in the world. The Watermelon Festival is the highlight of community activities in Jefferson County. Started over 50 years ago to recognize the watermelon growers of the county, the festival includes beauty pageants, dinners, street dance, arts and crafts, melon run, sports events, and parade.Mike Ewen/DemocratPortraits of young watermelon kings and queens were attached to a parade float on Saturday. The Monticello Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 64th Annual Watermelon Festival in Monticello, Florida on Saturday, June 21, 2014. Local farms began growing watermelons during the late 1800s. By 1884, Jefferson County was considered the top watermelon seed supplier in the world. The Watermelon Festival is the highlight of community activities in Jefferson County. Started over 50 years ago to recognize the watermelon growers of the county, the festival includes beauty pageants, dinners, street dance, arts and crafts, melon run, sports events, and parade.Mike Ewen/DemocratBicycle daredevils entertained the parade crowd with some fancy riding tricks on Saturday. The Monticello Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 64th Annual Watermelon Festival in Monticello, Florida on Saturday, June 21, 2014. Local farms began growing watermelons during the late 1800s. By 1884, Jefferson County was considered the top watermelon seed supplier in the world. The Watermelon Festival is the highlight of community activities in Jefferson County. Started over 50 years ago to recognize the watermelon growers of the county, the festival includes beauty pageants, dinners, street dance, arts and crafts, melon run, sports events, and parade.Mike Ewen/DemocratBicycle daredevils entertained the parade crowd with some fancy riding on Saturday. The Monticello Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 64th Annual Watermelon Festival in Monticello, Florida on Saturday, June 21, 2014. Local farms began growing watermelons during the late 1800s. By 1884, Jefferson County was considered the top watermelon seed supplier in the world. The Watermelon Festival is the highlight of community activities in Jefferson County. Started over 50 years ago to recognize the watermelon growers of the county, the festival includes beauty pageants, dinners, street dance, arts and crafts, melon run, sports events, and parade.Mike Ewen/DemocratGirls from the Motivators Program came dressed in black and green for Saturday's parade. The Monticello Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 64th Annual Watermelon Festival in Monticello, Florida on Saturday, June 21, 2014. Local farms began growing watermelons during the late 1800s. By 1884, Jefferson County was considered the top watermelon seed supplier in the world. The Watermelon Festival is the highlight of community activities in Jefferson County. Started over 50 years ago to recognize the watermelon growers of the county, the festival includes beauty pageants, dinners, street dance, arts and crafts, melon run, sports events, and parade.Mike Ewen/DemocratThe Swamp Thing winds around the Jefferson County Courthouse on Saturday. The Monticello Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 64th Annual Watermelon Festival in Monticello, Florida on Saturday, June 21, 2014. Local farms began growing watermelons during the late 1800s. By 1884, Jefferson County was considered the top watermelon seed supplier in the world. The Watermelon Festival is the highlight of community activities in Jefferson County. Started over 50 years ago to recognize the watermelon growers of the county, the festival includes beauty pageants, dinners, street dance, arts and crafts, melon run, sports events, and parade.Mike Ewen/DemocratThe second story balcany gives a nice view of the parade route on Saturday. The Monticello Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 64th Annual Watermelon Festival in Monticello, Florida on Saturday, June 21, 2014. Local farms began growing watermelons during the late 1800s. By 1884, Jefferson County was considered the top watermelon seed supplier in the world. The Watermelon Festival is the highlight of community activities in Jefferson County. Started over 50 years ago to recognize the watermelon growers of the county, the festival includes beauty pageants, dinners, street dance, arts and crafts, melon run, sports events, and parade.Mike Ewen/DemocratThough one bicycle daredevil ride took a spill on Saturday, his riding colleague kept the show going. The Monticello Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 64th Annual Watermelon Festival in Monticello, Florida on Saturday, June 21, 2014. Local farms began growing watermelons during the late 1800s. By 1884, Jefferson County was considered the top watermelon seed supplier in the world. The Watermelon Festival is the highlight of community activities in Jefferson County. Started over 50 years ago to recognize the watermelon growers of the county, the festival includes beauty pageants, dinners, street dance, arts and crafts, melon run, sports events, and parade.Mike Ewen/DemocratColorful dress and fancy headgear were plentiful during Saturday's Watermelon Festival. The Monticello Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 64th Annual Watermelon Festival in Monticello, Florida on Saturday, June 21, 2014. Local farms began growing watermelons during the late 1800s. By 1884, Jefferson County was considered the top watermelon seed supplier in the world. The Watermelon Festival is the highlight of community activities in Jefferson County. Started over 50 years ago to recognize the watermelon growers of the county, the festival includes beauty pageants, dinners, street dance, arts and crafts, melon run, sports events, and parade.Mike Ewen/DemocratMaggie Walker was the Little Miss Watermelon Queen on Saturday. The Monticello Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 64th Annual Watermelon Festival in Monticello, Florida on Saturday, June 21, 2014. Local farms began growing watermelons during the late 1800s. By 1884, Jefferson County was considered the top watermelon seed supplier in the world. The Watermelon Festival is the highlight of community activities in Jefferson County. Started over 50 years ago to recognize the watermelon growers of the county, the festival includes beauty pageants, dinners, street dance, arts and crafts, melon run, sports events, and parade.Mike Ewen/DemocratBicycle daredevils showed off some crowd pleasing tricks during their trek down the parade route. The Monticello Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 64th Annual Watermelon Festival in Monticello, Florida on Saturday, June 21, 2014. Local farms began growing watermelons during the late 1800s. By 1884, Jefferson County was considered the top watermelon seed supplier in the world. The Watermelon Festival is the highlight of community activities in Jefferson County. Started over 50 years ago to recognize the watermelon growers of the county, the festival includes beauty pageants, dinners, street dance, arts and crafts, melon run, sports events, and parade.Mike Ewen/DemocratA panting cat rests inside a baby stroller during his trek around the parade route. The Monticello Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 64th Annual Watermelon Festival in Monticello, Florida on Saturday, June 21, 2014. Local farms began growing watermelons during the late 1800s. By 1884, Jefferson County was considered the top watermelon seed supplier in the world. The Watermelon Festival is the highlight of community activities in Jefferson County. Started over 50 years ago to recognize the watermelon growers of the county, the festival includes beauty pageants, dinners, street dance, arts and crafts, melon run, sports events, and parade.Mike Ewen/DemocratA rider in Saturday's parade took a seat on the hood of a car during his trek along the parade route. The Monticello Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 64th Annual Watermelon Festival in Monticello, Florida on Saturday, June 21, 2014. Local farms began growing watermelons during the late 1800s. By 1884, Jefferson County was considered the top watermelon seed supplier in the world. The Watermelon Festival is the highlight of community activities in Jefferson County. Started over 50 years ago to recognize the watermelon growers of the county, the festival includes beauty pageants, dinners, street dance, arts and crafts, melon run, sports events, and parade.Mike Ewen/DemocratAntique cars ended Saturday's parade. The Monticello Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 64th Annual Watermelon Festival in Monticello, Florida on Saturday, June 21, 2014. Local farms began growing watermelons during the late 1800s. By 1884, Jefferson County was considered the top watermelon seed supplier in the world. The Watermelon Festival is the highlight of community activities in Jefferson County. Started over 50 years ago to recognize the watermelon growers of the county, the festival includes beauty pageants, dinners, street dance, arts and crafts, melon run, sports events, and parade.Mike Ewen/DemocratA Vietnam era Huey Helicopter was towed along the parade route on Saturday. The Monticello Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 64th Annual Watermelon Festival in Monticello, Florida on Saturday, June 21, 2014. Local farms began growing watermelons during the late 1800s. By 1884, Jefferson County was considered the top watermelon seed supplier in the world. The Watermelon Festival is the highlight of community activities in Jefferson County. Started over 50 years ago to recognize the watermelon growers of the county, the festival includes beauty pageants, dinners, street dance, arts and crafts, melon run, sports events, and parade.Mike Ewen/DemocratCandy treats were tossed to parade watchers on Saturday. The Monticello Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 64th Annual Watermelon Festival in Monticello, Florida on Saturday, June 21, 2014. Local farms began growing watermelons during the late 1800s. By 1884, Jefferson County was considered the top watermelon seed supplier in the world. The Watermelon Festival is the highlight of community activities in Jefferson County. Started over 50 years ago to recognize the watermelon growers of the county, the festival includes beauty pageants, dinners, street dance, arts and crafts, melon run, sports events, and parade.Mike Ewen/DemocratMakenzie Cannon was the 2013 Florida Forest Festival Distinguised Young Women. The Monticello Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 64th Annual Watermelon Festival in Monticello, Florida on Saturday, June 21, 2014. Local farms began growing watermelons during the late 1800s. By 1884, Jefferson County was considered the top watermelon seed supplier in the world. The Watermelon Festival is the highlight of community activities in Jefferson County. Started over 50 years ago to recognize the watermelon growers of the county, the festival includes beauty pageants, dinners, street dance, arts and crafts, melon run, sports events, and parade.Mike Ewen/DemocratSmall Confederate flags were given out during Saturday's parade. The Monticello Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 64th Annual Watermelon Festival in Monticello, Florida on Saturday, June 21, 2014. Local farms began growing watermelons during the late 1800s. By 1884, Jefferson County was considered the top watermelon seed supplier in the world. The Watermelon Festival is the highlight of community activities in Jefferson County. Started over 50 years ago to recognize the watermelon growers of the county, the festival includes beauty pageants, dinners, street dance, arts and crafts, melon run, sports events, and parade.Mike Ewen/DemocratThe Monticello Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 64th Annual Watermelon Festival in Monticello, Florida on Saturday, June 21, 2014. Local farms began growing watermelons during the late 1800s. By 1884, Jefferson County was considered the top watermelon seed supplier in the world. The Watermelon Festival is the highlight of community activities in Jefferson County. Started over 50 years ago to recognize the watermelon growers of the county, the festival includes beauty pageants, dinners, street dance, arts and crafts, melon run, sports events, and parade.Mike Ewen/DemocratThe Monticello Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 64th Annual Watermelon Festival in Monticello, Florida on Saturday, June 21, 2014. Local farms began growing watermelons during the late 1800s. By 1884, Jefferson County was considered the top watermelon seed supplier in the world. The Watermelon Festival is the highlight of community activities in Jefferson County. Started over 50 years ago to recognize the watermelon growers of the county, the festival includes beauty pageants, dinners, street dance, arts and crafts, melon run, sports events, and parade.Mike Ewen/DemocratStewart Wheeler was busy selling watermelons during Saturday's Watermelon Festival. $5 a melon. The Monticello Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 64th Annual Watermelon Festival in Monticello, Florida on Saturday, June 21, 2014. Local farms began growing watermelons during the late 1800s. By 1884, Jefferson County was considered the top watermelon seed supplier in the world. The Watermelon Festival is the highlight of community activities in Jefferson County. Started over 50 years ago to recognize the watermelon growers of the county, the festival includes beauty pageants, dinners, street dance, arts and crafts, melon run, sports events, and parade.Mike Ewen/DemocratWhat better day to sell watermelons than during the Watermelon Festival? Stewart Wheeler was kept busy selling melons to hungry visitors. The Monticello Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 64th Annual Watermelon Festival in Monticello, Florida on Saturday, June 21, 2014. Local farms began growing watermelons during the late 1800s. By 1884, Jefferson County was considered the top watermelon seed supplier in the world. The Watermelon Festival is the highlight of community activities in Jefferson County. Started over 50 years ago to recognize the watermelon growers of the county, the festival includes beauty pageants, dinners, street dance, arts and crafts, melon run, sports events, and parade.Mike Ewen/Democrat