Wake County man sets the record for largest ever watermelon

GARNER, North Carolina (WTVD) -- Todd Dawson is a Garner farmer who has grown the largest ever watermelon in North Carolina. His record-setter weighs in at 316 pounds.

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After winning the prize at the North Carolina State Fair, he drove to New York City to show it off on "Live with Kelly and Ryan" for a national television audience.

Dawson said the watermelon is a little overripe to eat, but he has big plans for it. He will now dry the seeds and give them to people who want to try their hand at growing a record-setting watermelon. The seeds will be called "Dawson-316s."

It has been a good year for Dawson, who is also an ice sculptor. Last spring, he won the World Ice Art Championship in Alaska.