Editor's Note: People say I travel a lot. I do.
But there's one gal in the produce industry I am sure is out and about way more often than I am – the National Watermelon Queen.
This year's queen, Madison Laney of Alabama, earned her crown Feb. 25 and immediately kicked off a year of promotions on behalf of the National Watermelon Promotion Board.
I happened to run in to Madison a couple of times in the same week, so I wondered what it was like besides the industry events we all might see her attend, so I had her give us a behind-the-scenes look, a post card from the road. – Pamela R.
A week in the life...
of the National Watermelon Queen
by Madison Laney
Being the National Watermelon Queen is such a diverse job.
> At the beginning of April, I started off with the Cooper River Bridge Run in Charleston, S.C. This is one of the hardest working promotions we do. Over 46,000 cups of watermelon is passed out to the runners. It's very intense and fast-paced.
> After that, we headed Atlanta, Ga. for Queens training with the eight other state queens. Queens training is more glamorous. We all get to be together (which is my favorite), have etiquette training and learn what our role as a watermelon queen actually means and what's expected of us.
> My next stop was Austin, Texas for the Viva Fresh Expo. I had so much fun with the National Promotion Board entertaining and informing people all about the healthful benefits of watermelon.
> Then, I ended April in Cape Cod at Stop+Shop passing out samples and attending the ceremony honoring produce manager Al Garnett, one of the 25 winners of the United Fresh Retail Produce Manager Awards. Al took some time to talk about watermelon sales with me and Ms. Eleanor Bullock, the NWPB's promotions coordinator.
What most people don't understand is being a watermelon queen is so much more than just wearing a crown.
Although it has been the most rewarding experience, it takes a lot of dedication, time and stamina.
I wouldn't trade this job for anything, and I am so honored to represent and promote the greatest industry in the world.
