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There are few things better than a juicy, delicious slice of watermelon to cool you down during the summer.

And next week, Delaware residents and visitors along the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk will be getting slices for free as part of an annual event from the Mar-Del Watermelon Association and the Delaware Department of Agriculture.

Mar-Del Watermelon Queen Terra Tatman and National Watermelon Queen Katelyn Kelley will be handing out some dripping-with-flavor slices near the Bandstand starting 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 1, along with information about the nutritious benefits of the delicious fruit.

The heat this season has proven a boon for watermelon growers, said Secretary of Agriculture Ed Kee.

“Watermelon is a Delaware pride and joy,” said Kee. “Our growers are nationally known for the quality and volume that they produce. This season looks to be another bumper crop for Delaware watermelon, and we welcome visitors and residents alike to try some of this delicious summertime treat.”

Delaware and Maryland are leaders in watermelon production. In August 2011, the two states accounted for 20 percent of national watermelon shipments; for all of 2011, Delaware and Maryland produced 172 million pounds of watermelon, valued at $22.4 million.

The Mar-Del Watermelon Association includes growers, brokers and corporate members from Delaware and from Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Photo available for media use on Flickr

Contact:
Dan Shortridge
Chief of Community Relations
Delaware Department of Agriculture
302-698-4520

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