10/08/02

By SHARON MORGAN

When Julie Ann Bryant and Amanda Brown talk about their favorite produce item, they agree there is nothing quite like watermelon. It is a “fun fruit,” they believe and besides that, it is both nutritious and delicious.
Bryant, who serves as National Watermelon Queen, and Brown, the Mar-Del Watermelon Queen, were guests of honor at the Laurel Farmers Auction Market in Laurel, Del., on Aug. 9. Their appearance at the Mar-Del Watermelon Association’s benefit auction was part of a four-day watermelon promotion tour during which they visited various locations in Maryland and Delaware, including the Sharptown Carnival, the board-walk at Rehoboth Beach, the Old Mill Restaurant, a Delmarva Shorebirds game and the Watermelon Festival at Wright’s Market.
Bryant, 22, is from Greenville, S.C., and was crowned National Watermelon Queen on March 3, during the 2002 National Watermelon Association, (NWA) Convention in Albuquerque, N.M.
“Until a couple of years ago, I didn’t know very much about the position or, for that matter, about the watermelon industry,” Bryant admitted. “But, I know last year’s National Watermelon Queen, Misty James, who also is from South Carolina. She told me that being National Watermelon Queen was a wonderful experience. I got an application in the mail and decided to try it. Misty was right, and I’ve had so much fun.”
Bryant said that since watermelon always has been a favorite of hers, promoting it is easy.
“I’ve done a lot of in-store promotions, which involve going into grocery stores and giving out samples of watermelon, as well as telling consumers how nutritious it is,” she said. “I’ve also done a few festivals and some food shows. So far, I’ve been to at least 15 states. It’s impossible to pick a favorite though, because really, I love everyone, and enjoy meeting people from all walks of life.
“A lot of people are really surprised when I tell them about the nutritional value of watermelon,” Bryant continued. “It contains vitamins A, B-6, and C. It also contains potassium, and is high in lycopene, an antioxidant which helps to fight cancer. Watermelon also is a fun fruit because you can do so many things with it, from preparing different recipes to seed spitting.”
Bryant is a senior at the University of South Carolina, Spartanburg, where she is majoring in psychology. During her freshman and sophomore years at the university, she was a cheerleader. Currently, she is a member of the Delta Zeta Sorority, and the psychology club. Although her future plans are still uncertain, she is considering a career in counseling.
“I don’t think I could ever have a better job than being National Watermelon Queen,” Bryant said. “Along those lines, I wish to thank the Mar-Del Watermelon Association for sponsoring my visit to this area. I had a great time.”
The Mar-Del Watermelon Queen, 21-year-old Amanda Brown from Easton, Md., was crowned this past February. Since then, she has attended numerous functions, sharing her enthusiasm and talents.
“In March, I attended Delaware’s Ag Industry Dinner where I had the privilege of meeting both Gov. Ruth Ann Minner and Lt. Gov. John Carney, along with several other elected officials,” Brown said.
The Mar-Del Watermelon Queen is a senior at the University of Maryland, College Park, where she is majoring in food science. She plans to pursue a career in ag marketing and promotion. Currently, she is president of the Collegiate 4-H Club on campus, and is a member of the band. She also serves on the College of Agriculture Student Council.
During May, Brown participated in Farm and Field Day in Concord, Del., an outreach program conducted by the New Castle County Extension Service, aimed at educating young people about agriculture, she said.
“I did some watermelon carvings and invited some of the kids to come up and help me,” Brown said. “One of those carvings was Wally the Whale. During the day, many of the kids came back to see how Wally was coming along. A lot of people were very sad to see Wally go at the end of the day.”
The Mar-Del Watermelon Queen also attended all 10 days of the Delaware State Fair. She conducted three demonstrations in the Mar-Del Watermelon Association’s booth in the Delaware Department of Agriculture Commodities Building. One of those again showcased her watermelon carving talents as she made another whale, a ribbon basket, and a couple of other baskets. A second demonstration featured various recipes using watermelon, and a third continued a tradition of distributing slices of watermelon.
“Also at the Delaware State Fair, I had the honor of attending the governor’s dinner,” she said.
Brown also participated in the Ag Celebration at the Maryland State Fair, and has made several other promotional appearances. Brown loves to keep busy, and her hobbies reflect that. She plays piano and organ, and is a substitute accompanist at some churches in the Easton area. She also enjoys sewing, cooking and gardening.
The Mar-Del Watermelon Queen works at the Laurel Farmers Auction Market with a company called delmarvaproduce.com.
“The company’s objective is to get buyers interested in the market, as well as in Delaware- and Maryland-grown produce,” Brown said. “We hope to create a better market for that produce, which, of course, includes watermelon.”