ag-formation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 5, 2002

31^st Annual Watermelon Meeting Set - January 25, 2003

COLUMBIA--- All watermelon producers, shippers, and others with an interest in the watermelon industry are invited to attend the annual meeting of the South Carolina Watermelon Association, scheduled for January 25, 2003, at the Columbia Ramada Plaza Hotel.

Registration will begin at 8:30 AM. The general session will begin at 10:00 AM and will include an overview of watermelon research efforts at the Clemson University Edisto Research Center, and the preliminary Queen contest events. Afternoon sessions will feature discussions of the weather outlook for 2003 and variety trial and disease control results from research projects conducted at the Coastal Experiment Station.

Other events include an afternoon fund-raising auction and a banquet that evening. This is the best meeting of the year to network with growers, buyers, and industry representatives, in an informal, fun, atmosphere.

Registration is $40.00 per person or $60.00 for a couple, in advance. Fees will increase by $15.00 for on-site registration. The fees include Saturday lunch, the auction event, and dinner. A buffet breakfast is also included for Sunday morning.

For registration or hotel reservation information, please contact Martin Eubanks or Connie Garvey, at the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, at (803) 734-2200.

*** 30***