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Swellin' with Melon Watermelon-Eating Championship

Location: Brookville, OH
Date: 07-30-2005
Winner: Jim Reeves

On Saturday, July 30, 2005, eaters converged in Brookville, OH, for the second annual “Swellin’ With Melon” event occurs at the Brookville Community Picnic.

Buffalo Jim Reeves achieved an impressive victory, besting number-three-ranked Richard LeFevre by eating more than 13 pounds of watermelon in 15 minutes.

Placing third, in what has also been hailed as a major accomplishment, was Patrick Bertoletti, a rising eater who consumed just under 13 pounds of melon in the contest.

Reeves, fresh off of impressive performances in the Alka-Seltzer US Open of Competitive Eating and the Nathan's Famous hot dog circuit, continued at a steady pace throughout the grueling 15-minute match. Meanwhile, many of the other eaters slowed or stopped.

Along with the coveted title of World Watermelon Eating Champion, a prize package worth $1,500 was up for grabs at the July 30th contest.

“The Brookville Picnic is a classic event and we’re thrilled to be working with the Chamber to deliver the second Swellin’ with Melon contest,” said Richard Shea, president of the IFOCE. “Watermelon is an item that many competitive eaters enjoy voluntarily at home so the eaters are quite pleased to see this food item presented in a competitive format.”

The 15-minute eating contest was just one highlight of the annual Brookville Community Picnic, which ran from Thursday, July 28 to Saturday, July 30 and featured a free raffle for a Pontiac Grand Am GT, fireworks, live musical entertainment, karaoke contests, baking contests, rodeo, kids games and a 5k run, among other events.

“This was the picnic’s 55th year and we were happy to bring back the Watermelon Eating Contest,” said Cantrell.

The contest was sponsored by DG Equipment, Brookhaven Brookhaven Retirement Community, McMaken IGA Market, Subway at Arlington Road, Village NAPA Auto Parts and other local businesses. The Brookville Chamber of Commerce is organizing the Community Picnic.

A prize of $1,000 went to the winner and the top local amateur eater received $500 in prize money.

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