Travelers Rest native crowned South Carolina Watermelon Queen
January 20, 2011
COLUMBIA, SC – January 20, 2011 – Holly Whatley, a 23-year-old native of Travelers Rest and recent graduate of Presbyterian College, was crowned as the South Carolina Watermelon Queen Jan. 15 in Columbia.
“I was surprised… because any of the girls could have won,” Whatley said of her winning the 2011 crown. “Now here I am the Watermelon Queen.”
The Watermelon Queen competition is held annually in conjunction with the South Carolina Watermelon Growers Association meeting. As South Carolina Watermelon Queen, Whatley will stay busy throughout the year promoting locally grown watermelons by attending festivals, speaking engagements, and giving media interviews.
Whatley said her love of travel and meeting new people is what intrigued her to compete in this year’s competition.
“I know it’s going to be a lot of work, but I am looking forward to it,” Whatley said.
Whatley said she surprised and pleased with how the farmers were like a big family. She is looking forward to the farm visits and meeting with the farmers to learn more about the watermelon industry. Her first duty as in her new role will to attend the Georgia Watermelon Convention on January 28.
“As a consumer you don’t realize the commitment to growing the food at the grocery store,” Whatley said.
Whatley, a graduate of Travelers Rest High School, studied business at Presbyterian College where she played basketball. She also writes and sings country music and said she’d love to use her business background and love of baking to attend the Art Institute of Charleston and then run her own pastry café.
