In February, the National Watermelon Association convened for its annual convention in La Quinta, California. The five-day agenda included many important topics, but among the most important was the selection and crowning of the 2015 National Watermelon Queen. 
Seven contestants competed for the title — each a watermelon queen representing her respective region — and Emily Brown emerged as the newest royal watermelon leader. Emily is a nursing student at Vincennes University, and the reigning Illiana chapter queen.
Over the next 12 months, Emily will travel the nation, promoting watermelon at state fairs, conventions, trade shows, festivals and in-store events. It’s a busy schedule, no doubt about it, but she was nice enough to take some time for a quick interview about her new role as the National Watermelon Queen.
THANKS FOR AGREEING TO ANSWER A FEW QUESTIONS. HOW HAS YOUR LIFE CHANGED NOW THAT YOU’RE THE NATIONAL WATERMELON QUEEN?
My life is full of adventure now that I have become the National Watermelon Queen! The adventures will continue throughout my year and I will continue to be taken away by the opportunities that are presented to me.
EVERY WATERMELON QUEEN HAS SOME SORT OF BACKGROUND TIE TO WATERMELON. WHAT’S YOURS?
My first job was actually working in the watermelon fields turning vines and pulling weeds. When I started college, I started working as a secretary for a watermelon broker and learned so much more. I also genuinely love watermelon and it really is my favorite fruit!
WHAT PART OF BEING WATERMELON QUEEN ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO?
I get to promote watermelon and the watermelon industry and travel the vast U.S. and beyond, so what’s not to look forward to! My goal is to work hard at every promotion and not take my year as National Watermelon Queen for granted because a year flies by pretty quickly.
NOW THAT YOU’RE QUEEN, WHAT’S THE BIGGEST CHANGE YOU’D LIKE TO MAKE DURING YOUR REIGN?
Being a nursing major, health is a big deal to me. Informing the public about the nutritional benefits that watermelon has both on social media and in person at promotions is a key part of my watermelon mission this year. I’d also like to promote the versatility and affordability of this sweet, juicy fruit.
DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR THE GIRLS OUT THERE WHO WOULD LIKE TO BE A WATERMELON QUEEN SOMEDAY?
For future watermelon queens: it’s necessary that you have a good work ethic, be approachable and outgoing, enjoy new adventures, and have a passion for watermelon. If you have those characteristics, the possibilities are endless.
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