This contest will replace the traditional “Largest Watermelon” category previously featured at the Rowan County Fair. First and second place winners in both adult and youth divisions will have their photo taken and displayed on a banner at the fair, including their name and the weight of their winning watermelon. Participants are not required to register for the Rowan County Fair to enter, and winning watermelons will not need to be displayed in the exhibit hall.

Open to Rowan County, N.C., growers, this contest is a great opportunity to showcase your largest watermelon. Participants may bring one watermelon per person each Saturday, from July 11 through September 5, to L.L. Goodnight & Sons, Inc. for an official weigh-in. All entries must be grown in Rowan County and weigh at least 25 pounds to qualify.

All rules, prize details, official weigh-in dates, Rowan County Fair information, and L.L. Goodnight & Sons location are listed on this page. Please contact Shelby Carroll at shelby_carroll@ncsu.edu for any questions.

2026 Rules

1. Eligibility: All watermelons must be grown within Rowan County, North Carolina.
2. Entry Limit: One watermelon per adult (18+) and one per youth (17 and under). Multiple entries within the same category from one person are not permitted.
3. Youth Division: Youth participants are defined as individuals who are 17 years old or younger as of January 2026.
4. Minimum Weight Requirement: All watermelons must weigh at least 25 pounds at the time of official weigh-in to qualify for the contest. Any entry under this weight will not be accepted.
5. Condition of Entry: Watermelons must be whole, intact, and unaltered. Entries may not be modified in any way, including but not limited to adding weight, injecting substances, or altering the rind. Any watermelon suspected of tampering will be disqualified.
6. Weigh-In Process: All entries must be presented during the designated Saturday weigh-in times at L.L. Goodnight & Sons, Inc.
7. Agreement Form: Participants are required to take a picture with a watermelon weight shown in the picture, and complete and sign an official contest agreement form at the time of weigh-in
8. Judging & Winners: Winners will be determined based on the heaviest qualifying watermelons in each division (adult and youth). First and second place winners will be selected in both divisions.
9. Awards & Recognition: Winners will be officially announced during the Rowan County Fair (September 21–26, 2026). First and second place winners will have their photo taken, and their name, along with their watermelon’s weight, will be featured on a banner displayed in the exhibit hall.
10. Display Requirements: Winning watermelons do not need to be brought to or displayed at the Rowan County Fair. Only winner recognition materials (photos and banners) will be exhibited.
11. Participation in the Fair: Entry into this contest does not require registration or participation in the Rowan County Fair. This is a stand-alone contest open to all eligible Rowan County growers.

Weigh-Ins are every Saturday from July 11 to September 5

8 am-3 pm

L.L. Goodnight & Sons, Inc

605 Saw Rd, China Grove, NC 28023

(704) 857-7207