Joe Wilson: “Tomorrow marks the 6th anniversary of the Hampton County Watermelon Festival Parade. This parade will begin at 10 a.m.…”

“Tomorrow marks the 6th anniversary of the Hampton County Watermelon Festival Parade. This parade will begin at 10 a.m. in Varnville, and I am honored to be participating once again in this annual event. The theme for this year's festival is 'Patriotism, the Spirit of America.' Last year, according to the South Carolina State Troopers, approximately 50,000 spectators attended the festival. Mr. Speaker, this annual watermelon festival parade honors the dedication and sacrifices made by our farmers throughout South Carolina, who work so hard to feed so many Americans. Our farmers support rural economies and continue a tradition that has existed for centuries in America. I would like to commend the efforts of this year's festival chairman, Hugh Gray and vice-chairman, Susan Hatcher, along with parade chairmen Rodger Roberts and Otis Harrison; Mrs. Mary Ellen Bowers, the Estill congressional district office director; as well as the efforts of the South Carolina Farm Bureau and Ag First Farm Credit Bank in helping to feed America and make our country strong.”