The fruit men would cry for: The ancient history behind Monticello’s favorite festival

Now that Monticello’s annual tradition is in the books, take a moment to reflect back at a time when the Israelites wept for a taste of melon Patricia Smith Guest Columnist June heat has arrived in Jefferson County right on schedule. As temperatures climb, local minds naturally drift toward a singular, icy-cold salvation: a crisp, ruby-red slice of watermelon. It is a craving so powerful that it has anchored the community for decades, drawing crowds downtown for the annual Monticello Water