The 2024 N.C. State Fair is quickly approaching Oct. 17-27 and North Carolinians everywhere are feeling the excitement. Fuquay-Varina’s Rickey Privette Jr. is particularly looking forward to defending his “Best Large Watermelon” title from 2023.
Best Large Watermelon- True to Type is one of the several classes in the State Fair’s pumpkins and watermelons competition division. This class judges the size of the watermelons, while also considering which ones are in the best shape and condition. Additionally, competitors of this category are welcome to participate in the Great Pumpkin and Watermelon Weigh-Off, occurring at this year’s fair on Oct. 15 at 2:00 p.m. in the Exposition Center.
Not only was this contest Rickey Jr.’s first time winning a blue ribbon, but it was also the first competition he had ever entered. Rickey Jr. is still rightfully celebrating his victory and reminiscing over the heartwarming origins of his hobby of growing watermelons.
Rickey Jr. grew up attending the fair with his late father, Rickey Privette Sr. They made many memories there that included bonding over crops and livestock and eating delicious footlong hotdogs and country ham biscuits. They also shared a special love for watermelons. The two would often visit Rickey Jr.’s grandparents’ house to sample the melons that were grown by his grandfather, Rainey Jasper Privette.
One day Rickey Sr. asked his son if he could grow him a 200-pound watermelon.
“I told him I could do that, but it might take a while. I found out six months later that my father had cancer, and he passed away a year later while I was growing the watermelon,” said Rickey Jr. “Towards the end of his life, it was hard to get him out — except for when I’d mention going to a weigh-in. My father and I enjoyed anything with a watermelon, so he’d always want to come.”
Rickey Jr. entered the 2023 Best Large Watermelon competition to honor his father and his wishes. He had some experience growing small watermelons in his yard for fresh produce, but nothing on such a giant scale. Large watermelons are not grown to eat because they’ve been around too long to taste good — size is the most important factor. Rickey Jr. was quite proud of his competition melon when it weighed in at 116.8 pounds.
“I feel confident that I’ll be able to grow my father a 200-pounder this year; however, even if I don’t, I’ll keep competing anyway because it’s a lot of fun! The N.C. State Fair is where you compete against the best of the best,” said Rickey Jr. “But for now, I’ll enjoy my first win.”
Rickey Jr. grew his blue-ribbon watermelon without grafting, a common method for world-record melons. He started growing his watermelon in his house and it grew from March to October. Growing a large watermelon is a tedious and unpredictable process, but very rewarding. It also requires understanding certain data and genetics.
“You have to be committed and understand that sometimes Mother Nature can get in the way, but that’s no reason to give up,” said Rickey Jr.
When competition day rolled around, Rickey Jr. and his friend, Ben Palmer, loaded the watermelon into Ben’s truck.
“Transporting the melon is nerve-racking because you don’t want to break or smash it,” said Rickey Jr. “Another scary moment was showing up and finally seeing the competitors’ watermelons. For the longest time, in my eyes, my watermelon was the biggest melon I’d ever seen up close.”
Nerves aside, competition day was a blast for Rickey Jr. and a memory he’ll cherish forever.
“Everybody was incredibly friendly, and since I was the new guy, people wanted me to interact with everyone, take measurements on the watermelons and just be very involved,” said Rickey Jr. “I talk to some of the guys I met almost every day on Instagram to compare numbers and share other pointers.”
Rickey Jr. found out he won his category when he was sent a picture of a blue ribbon.
“I was shocked. I knew I had a pretty watermelon, but I didn’t think I’d get a blue ribbon because of it,” he said. “I’m thrilled that I’ve discovered this passion and love that it’s something I can do for my dad and myself. The bragging rights don’t hurt either.”
To learn more about this year’s N.C. State Fair competitions, visit ncstatefair.org, click on “Plan Your Trip” and the “Competitions” tab to read all there is to know about the variety of contests. The deadline to enter is Sept. 15.
“I think everyone should give competing at the N.C. State Fair a try. There’s a lot of good Facebook groups, online growing tips and networking opportunities that can help you out,” said Rickey Jr. “I even have Chris Kent’s phone number, the world-record holder for largest watermelon. He said I can give him a call anytime!”
Rickey Jr. is looking forward to entering another melon in the 2024 Best Large Watermelon competition.
“This year I’m definitely going to spend more time at the competition and hang around until the doors close,” said Rickey Jr. “I didn’t realize last time that the guys go out to eat after the contest, so I’ll be doing that for sure. It truly is such a welcoming community where you can make some friends.”
Be sure to swing by the fairgrounds to see his watermelon up close, as well as the other entries.