Amber Gibson has been named the 2016 Watermelon Queen.

By Bernie Moussad for the FCT

bernie.moussad@fct.wpengine.com

Each year, one lucky lady is selected for the coveted title of Watermelon Queen, and July 23, Amber Gibson was chosen for this honor for 2016.

The Watermelon Pageant is a yearly event hosted by the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. The pageant is divided up into multiple age groups, starting from 0-11 months all the way to 18 years and older.

Gibson, the 2016 Watermelon Queen, has been preparing for this moment since she was just in Contestants were judged on their smile, hair, dress and many other categories. Each age group had its own queen, but the 18 and older group boasts the ultimate Watermelon Queen, who presides over the Watermelon Festival.

For Gibson, this is more than just winning a competition. “I think it’s an honor to represent Franklin County,” she said. “I’m extremely honored and blessed.”

Gibson would like future competitors to know this: “Just be you and have confidence in yourself and just strive for your dreams.”

Gibson will open the Watermelon Festival in August by slicing the munching the first juicy slice of the festival’s namesake fruit.