66th annual Panhandle Watermelon Festival draws huge crowds

The 66th annual Panhandle Watermelon Festival drew in record numbers despite high temperatures this weekend.

The concert saw more than 10,000 people in attendance to see Shenandoah and Josh Turner perform their biggest hits. Saturday’s activities include a parade, car show, watermelon auction and performances by The Thompsons and Country Music Star Billy Dean.

The watermelon auction brought in more than $43,000 that will be used to host next year’s festival. The largest watermelon sold for $6,000 and was grown by David Feitsma.