HOPE – The 45+ year old tradition of the Watermelon 5k Race, sponsored locally by the Melonvine Striders, commenced once again on Saturday, August 8th at the Hope Watermelon Festival. The race drew a huge crowd to watch over 640 runners compete for the title, with racers and onlookers traveling from a multi-state area to attend. After the race, we interviewed Garrett, about his race in Hope, “It was a great course! The 5k has been a part of our Watermelon Festival since about 1980 and has even had the likes of Bill Clinton and Mike Huckabee as participants”. Pictured: Watermelon 5k Winner Garrett BarrPictured: Watermelon man with tight competition Photos by Davis Johnson