Ross is working in Washington to have a commemorative postage stamp dedicated to the watermelon, putting Hope and Hempstead County into the spotlight as the center of all things watermelon.

“For many years, watermelons have been a staple of American life, especially in Arkansas’ Fourth Congressional District where farming has helped shape our culture and way of life,” Ross stated in a recent letter to the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee of the U.S. Postal Service. “For instance, in my hometown of Hope, an annual watermelon festival is held which allows families and friends to come together and enjoy locally grown watermelons while participating in a great number of events that support the local community.”

Not to mention three Guinness Book of World Records titles for the world’s largest watermelons held by the Ivan Bright and Lloyd Bright families of Hempstead County. Ross’ letter of support notes that, “...on average, Arkansas watermelons have accounted for nearly 3,000 acres of cultivated farmland per year. This multimillion dollar industry employs many people whose families depend on the success and preservation of the watermelon as a staple of American life.”

The committee evaluates all stamp proposals on behalf of the U.S. Postmaster General, and has directed the Postal Service’s deliberations on commemorative stamps since 1957, Ross’ office said. The committee selects subjects of broad national interest for recommendation from about 25 new subjects submitted each year, Ross’ office said. The complete process takes up to three years.

“A postage stamp commemorating the watermelon would allow America to show thanks to the hard work and dedication of our local farmers for their help in providing both local and national communities with such an important crop,” Ross wrote.

Hope/Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce Director Mark Keith said there is no formal effort organized yet to get behind Ross’ recommendation. “It’s something we might want to take a look at,” Keith said. “Obviously, we would want to support that if we could have any influence on the decision.”

He said the idea of a watermelon commemorative stamp would be positive public relations for the Hope Watermelon Festival. “It’s a pretty pleasant issue,” Keith noted. “This has been a tough year in some ways for folks here; and, it has been a great year for the Chamber of Commerce and the Hope Watermelon Festival. So, I’d see it as a positive thing for us.”