Rotary members prepared and served a Barbecue meal to the Whit Boyd family and another 500 diners, during Friday evening's fundraiser.

Many patrons chose to eat in the cool air conditioning of the Opera House, many others bought multiple trays and carried them home to family members on their way home from work.

About 20-25 members of Team Rotary came together bright and early at about 7 a.m. and began shucking, cleaning and preparing the corn on the cob for cooking. Soon after, the grill is prepared and the numerous Boston butts placed on the racks within to slowly smoke and cook throughout the majority of the day, with the flavor-fragrant air wafting throughout the city all day leading to the event.

When the meat is cooked, cut, chopped and seasoned, late in the day; baked beans are started at about noon, while the coleslaw is prepared fresh.

The menu included Rotary's world famous barbecue Boston Butt, corn on the cob, secret recipe baked beans, coleslaw, bread, iced tea and a wide variety of homemade desserts, prepared by spouses of club members and female members.

It takes much work and planning from many to make the ever-popular annual barbecue, the huge success it continues to be.

Spokesperson James Muchovej said the proceeds from the event had not yet been fully tabulated at press time, but all proceeds will go toward promoting vocational studies, club scholarships for local deserving youth and community projects.

Aubrey Elizabeth Raker, Winner of the One yr old girls.

In the newborn to five months category the winner was Julia Caroline Bonfanti, the daughter of Becky and Mike Bonfanti (photographer Tammy Rabon).

The boy winner for the newborn to five months category was Collin Gabriel Strickland, the son of Amber Butler and Sam Strickland.

In the six months to twelve months category the girl winner was Christine Lee Lastinger, the daughter of Perry and Dana Lastinger (photographer Suzanne Murphy).

In the six months to twelve months category the boy winner was Noah Clayton Fulford, the son of Ernest and Sarah Fulford (photographer Suzanne Murphy).

In the one year-old category the girl winner was Aubrey Elizabeth Raker, the daughter of Amanda Dull and Tyler Raker.

In the one year-old category the boy winner was Cason Bryan, the son of Kat McKown and Price Bryan.

In the two year-old category the girl winner was Megan Grace Fulford, the daughter of Ernest and Sarah Fulford (photographer Suzanne Murphy).

In the two year-old category the boy winner was Colten Dean Rabon, the son of Philip and Tammy Rabon. (photographer Tammy Rabon).

In the three year-old category the girl winner was Reese Bailey Linn, the daughter of Michael and Cherri Linn.

In the three year-old category the boy winner was Ryan Harper Linn, the son of Michael and Cherri Linn.

In the four year-old category the girl winner was Shamyra Tylese Harris, the daughter of Melissa and Phillip Harris.

In the four year-old category the boy winner was Julian Michael Morthier, the son of Jeanine Morthier.

All photos are on display in the window at Jackson's Drug Store. Chairman, Angela Gray introduced winners and presented trophies at the Street Dance, immediately following the Rotary barbecue.

Servers during the Watermelon Festival Kick-Off dinner included, pictured left to right, Felix "Skeet" Joyner, Marianne Arbulu, Bill Gunnels, Mike Reichman and Dick Bailer.

The Festival Royalty was not on hand during the event. Spokesperson Sherri Dean said Queen Caitlin Harrison was not there due to Friday night being her graduation ceremony at Florida High.

She added ACA fifth grader and art contest winner of the booklet design Tori Sprenkle was on hand during the event to collect her $50 savings bond and a Watermelon Festival T-shirt.

Special thanks go out to the many who made the event a success; including Gordon Dean who prepared the Boston butts, thoroughly rubbing them down with his secret recipe sauce; the Sheriff's Department for loaning the use of their cooker; Carrie Ann & Company, who donated the pork; Cathy Tuten, who prepared the cole-slaw; Nan Baughman and Sherri Dean for preparing the baked beans; Teresa Dean, who baked and donated all of the brownies; Flowers Bakery for donating the bread; and special thanks to Buddy's Home Furnishings of Monticello for donating a 26-inch flat-screen color TV to be raffled at the dinner.

The raffle raised $120 for the Chamber and the winner of the television was Jack Carswell.

Dennis Curry, pitches during a festival softball tournament while Mike Holm ready's himself in the field.

With 13 teams vying for the championship title, Team Footlong of Tallahassee was the champions this year beating out the team of the Outkasts, also of Tallahassee, 14-13.

Recreation Park Director Mike Holm reported the Team Footlong, coached by Blaine Register went through the tournament undefeated and third baseman Ryan Register was selected as the team MVP.

Jackie Burns, who grew up in Monticello, made several great catchers in the outfield, with his suspect speed, to help preserve the victory.

Outkasts is a first-year team, who did well for their first Watermelon Tournament, reported Holms.

Owens trucking, playing under the name, "Just Cuttin Up (lawn care), out of Tallahassee, came in third place. They are sponsored by Scott Ferris and coached by Bill Hock, the 2007 ISA/E Division Coach of the Year. Just Cuttin Up has several players off of last year's tournament championship team, Aire Serv/Pafford Roofing, including Jeremy Scott, Troy Smith, Tim Rentz, Mike Pafford, Ferris and Hock.

Fourth place went to the team of Hot Rods, sponsored by Rodney Newman of Newman's Auto Air, with local resident Dennis Curry, Jr. playing in the position of shortstop.

Fifth place went to the team of Nat's Warriors of Monticello. Named in memory of Natalie Eades, Nat's Warriors plays softball in the league at the Recreation Park and consists of local residents Jason Eades, who started the team with his brothers Chris and Travis. Coaching Nat's Warriors is Dixon Hughes, who is doing such a good job in the league that his team is tied for first place.

Of the team's record, Dixon said, "I just tell them to go out and sling some snot and they go out, do it and we win."

I would like to thank all of the teams who participated in this year's tournament, Bear Register for all his help cooking and all the fans who endured the heat to come out and cheer on their favorite teams," said Holm. "Hopefully, next year the tournament will be even bigger and better."

Baby Photo Contest Winners

The theme of the parade this year was "The Sensational 60's" and many of the parade entries stuck to the theme very well wearing tie-dyed shirts, headbands, sunglasses, beads and the like. Many of the entries handed out candy and bubble gum along the route, others handed out promotional items and one group was even handing out beads. Serving as the parade announcer as the units approached the courthouse was Lisa Reasoner.

Nan Baughman was named the Parade Grand Marshall and received the Grand Marshall Award; the Spirit Award went to Jefferson County Public Library; the Best Merchant Award went to Martha's Bouncing Babies; the Best Theme Award went to the Sons of Confederate Veterans; the Best in Show Award went to TMH Monticello Family Medicine for their float portraying the "Fab Four" and the yellow submarine; The Best Civic Group Award went to Central Baptist Church; and the Most Unusual Award went to Pat's Roofing- Monster trucks including Ghost Rider, Swamp Thing, MiniFoot and the Watermelon Train.

Leading the parade was Monticello Police Department Chief Fred Mosley; followed by Jefferson County Sheriff David Hobbs; Motor Carrier Compliance; Florida Highway Patrol; Jefferson County Fire Rescue and fire trucks from Ashville Area, Monticello, Wacissa and Lloyd Volunteer Fire departments; Greenville Volunteer Fire Department; Grand Marshal Nan Baughman; a horse-drawn coach with the reigning Watermelon festival Royalty; Baby Photo Contest winners; M&M Productions/Monticello Opera House Children's Theater; Division of Forestry complete with Smokey Bear; American Legion Post #49; Albany Marine Band; Congressman Allen Boyd on his John Deere tractor; Tallahassee Pipe Band, complete with men wearing kilts and the traditional costume and playing the bagpipes; Hiram Lodge #5 Free & Accepted Masons; State Representative District 10 Leonard Bembry; Cuyler and Howard Family Reunion; Curtis Richardson for Senate; Florida Forest Festival; Marzuq Shrine Temple with Bandit Go Karts; Morocco Shrine Temple of Jacksonville, Clay Thunder and NASCAR Go Karts; and Al Lawson for Congress 2nd District.

Also, Jefferson County Warriors semi-pro football team; Michelle Rehwinkle Vasilinda; Tri County Electric; Bruce Leinback for Judge 2nd Circuit Group 9; Covenant Hospice; Tom Vogelsang for City Council; Sarah's Essentials; Sickle Cell Foundation; Gelling's Floral Designs; Clerk of Court Kirk Reams; Julia McBee for School Board District 3; Jefferson County Public Library; J. Layne Smith for Circuit Judge 2nd District Group 9; Dr. Debra Maddox with Teeny Queens and other pageant winners; Betsy Barfield for County

Commission District 4; Martha's Bouncing Babies; Shirley Washington for School Board District 3; Chicken Delite; Alex Sink for Governor; Sgt. Major Herbert Whaley in a 1978 Firebird Trans Am; Dianne Berryhill for 2nd Congress; Sons of Confederate Veterans; Jefferson Lions Club; Karen Gievers for Circuit Judge, 2nd Circuit, Group 9; Florida Hometown Democracy, Inc.; Scott R. Goodlin for County Commission District 4; and Memorial Missionary Baptist Church.

Also, Memorial Missionary Baptist Church; Our Blessings Early Learning Center; TMH Monticello Family Medicine with their huge yellow submarine and "Fab Four"; Tallahassee Region Antique Automobile Club of America with many entries from the Wally Bentley Memorial Car Show; Jefferson County Health Department with Whole Child Express, Mobile Dental Unit and SWAT van; City Council members Mayor John Jones, Vice Mayor Linda Butler, George Evans; Idella Scott; Tom Vogelsang; and City Manager Steve Wingate; T. Smith Racing with four cars; Paul Michael for County Commission District 4; Monticello News; Central Baptist Church; Skeet Joyner for County Commission District 4; St. Rilla Missionary Baptist Church; Florida Boys Connection with ATV's, who incidentally will not be invited back next year because they didn't follow the rules and were burning rubber and pulling jack-rabbit starts and they arrived late; Gary Severin on a black motorcycle; and Pat's Roofing –Monster Trucks including Ghost Rider, Swamp Thing; MiniFoot; and the watermelon Train.

Serving as float judges were Angela Gray, former Watermelon Festival Queen; Mike Reichman, former Watermelon Festival Chair; and Gladys Roann, former Watermelon Parade Grand Marshal.

FMB representatives pose with the winning team, bed and the coveted "Traveling Bed Trophy".

The crowd along the race route was thick with fans and onlookers, though the original location of the races had to be changed three times, The races were scheduled to take place on Olive Street but had to be moved to a second location due to a wedding rehearsal going on at the nearby church. After determining a second location, coordinators were advised that the races could not take place there due to the dinner for the wedding rehearsal being held in that nearby location.

Coordinating with Monticello Police Chief Fred Mosley a third location was determined. The races were moved to Mulberry Street and the bed staging area was changed to the parking lot of City Hall.

With the four entrants manning the staging area, the judges began judging them for the Best Dressed Bed. The beds being judged included Rotary's Running for Polio. It had four large wheels, appearing to be bicycle wheels on the front and wheelchair wheels on the back. Each of the wheels donned the Rotary emblem. Team members included Deandre Tucker and Witness Davis served as pushers and the rider was Angela Gray.

The second entry was the FMB Melon Mobile, which donned colorful watermelon slices, each with a bite out of it at the top. Each colorful artwork covered the outside of all four wheels. Serving as pushers were Clint Collins and Tony Kirkland and the rider was Jessica Vinson.

The Kiwanis bed was creatively decorated and called, "A Tribute to the Beach Boys", coinciding with this year's Watermelon Festival theme being, "The Sensational 60's", celebrating the 60th annual Watermelon Festival. Team members all dressed the part, wearing straw hats and sunglasses, complete with colorful shorts, seashore scenery fixed to the headboard nets, a palm tree, a monkey with a beach ball, a fringed bottom to resemble a grass skirt and one Tiki torch attached to each side of the headboard. Serving as team pushers were Casey Anderson and Philip Crampton and the rider was Brenda Sorensen.

The final entry was the JCMHS football team SWAT members. The bed was simple with a SWAT banner on the front. The bed also appeared to be very small and light. Serving as the team pushers were Tre Johnson and Devondrick Nealy and the rider was Terrell Oliver.

The judges agreed that deciding a winner was tough due to all of the entries being outstanding, but finally named the Kiwanis "Tribute to the Beach Boys" bed, the winner of the contest. Judges also agreed that it was the Tiki torches on the bed that sent it over the top.

Teams and observers then moved down to Mulberry Street for the races to begin. It was announced that one change in the course this year was that there were two cones at the turn-around point of the course, rather than one, so each team could focus on which of the two cones to maneuver around. Sheriff David Hobbs served as the official starter of the races.

The first teams to face off were rivals Kiwanis and Rotary, and they're off! The two teams each did an excellent job of staying in one lane of the roadway and maneuvering around their individual cones. The teams were staying with each other until just a few feet from the finish line, the rubber on team Rotary's rear right wheelchair wheel came off the wheel and greatly slowing Rotarian's to the point that Kiwanis gained the lead and crossed the finish line to win the first heat.

The second heat was against FMB and SWAT and proved to be highly amusing. And they're off! The teams took off neck-and-neck, but apparently the SWAT bed was much to light and the runners to fast to keep control and it began swerving all over the road. Half way to the turn-around point, SWAT collided with FMB, forcing the bed to the west curb and then across the roadway over to the east curb, with the beds locked together. After forcing the beds apart the teams took off again. FMB made the turn-around gracefully, but the SWAT bed had difficulty and was still weaving all over the road. About six feet out on the return side of their cone, the front left wheel broke off and reacting very quickly Oliver leaped off the bed, abandoning it before he could be thrown from it. With the bed totally disabled FMB easily crossed the finish line to win the second heat.

After the Tigers removed their crippled bed from the roadway, the third and final heat was on. It was between Kiwanis and FMB, both teams with the gleam of victory within their eyes and the determination to do so in their hearts.

And they're off! The teams bolted from the starting line, remaining in a neck-and-neck lock for the lead. Both team went to the turn-around point and quickly maneuvered around their cones. The speed of the two teams became much more intense as they rounded the cones. Speeding back up the hill to the finish line, the team remained neck-and-neck. Both crossed the finish line at approximately the same time. The judges discussed which team appeared to be in the front but they were unsure. Luckily, a photographer on hand got a photo finish of the team crossing the finish line and no doubt, the winning team was FMB, by just inches. FMB then collected the coveted "Traveling Bed Trophy."

As photos were being taken and congratulations passed, Jefferson Head football Coach Jeremy Brown issued this challenge, "The SWAT Tiger football team will compete again next year and I issue a challenge to all comers, we will win the race and take that trophy."