The organizers of the Tom Watson Watermelon Festival want area residents to "Waddle Your Way to Fitness."
The Second Annual Watermelon Waddle Fun Run/Walk is scheduled for Aug. 12.
The two-mile run/walk starts at the historic Thomson Depot on Railroad Street and traverses the Thomson historic district to Hickory Hill - the restored mansion of Senator Thomas E. Watson - and then returns to the Depot. Hickory Hill is the site of the Third Annual Tom Watson Watermelon Festival later that same day.
Registration and check-in for the Watermelon Waddle begins at 7 a.m., the run begins at 7:30 a.m.; the entry fee is $15 (cash, check, or money order). The best finish time in each category will win a prize. Age categories are: Youth 5 to 15 years, Adult 15 to 55 years, Senior 55 years and above. A special prize will be given for the best depiction of watermelon in running attire - a costume is acceptable, but should not impede movement and safety. All Run/Walk participants receive a commemorative Watermelon Festival T-shirt.
To pre-register for the Watermelon Waddle, contact the Watson-Brown Foundation at 706-595-8886 or via email at mzupan@hickory-hill.org.
The Third Annual Tom Watson Watermelon Festival is planned for Saturday, Aug. 12, from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. at 502 Hickory Hill Drive in Thomson. The festival is free. Call 706-595-8886 or 706-595-7777 for details.
