Gwen Graham, running for Congress, had her message carved into a watermelon on Saturday.  The Monticello Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 64th Annual Watermelon Festival in Monticello, Florida on Saturday, June 21, 2014.  Local farms began growing watermelons during the late 1800s. By 1884, Jefferson County was considered the top watermelon seed supplier in the world. The Watermelon Festival is the highlight of community activities in Jefferson County. Started over 50 years ago to recognize the watermelon growers of the county, the festival includes beauty pageants, dinners, street dance, arts and crafts, melon run, sports events, and parade.