August 3: National Watermelon Day

1. There is a 20 percent chance of rain today, likely between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. The high temperature today is 79 °F and it will be mostly sunny. The wind will come from the north at speeds between 3 mph and 6 mph. There is a 30 percent chance of rain tonight, mostly before 2 a.m. It will be mostly cloudy with a low temperature of 64 °F. Th wind will come from the south at a speed of 6 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

2. Check out this profile of Suffield Animal Control Officer Angelo DiMauro. DiMauro speaks about his experiences in the position and provides tips for safely dealing with wild and domestic animals.

3. According to the National Watermelon Promotion Board today is National Watermelon Day! To celebrate this healthy and delicious food, we’ve got a great link to some recipes. You’ll find beverages and cocktails as well as desserts and salads here, which is what one might expect to come across when searching for watermelon ideas. What you may be surprised to find are some unique and fun entrees, sandwiches and side dishes as well. Check out the watermelon cheddar burgers, General Tso’s watermelon, kielbasa with watermelon relish, scallops and watermelon kabobs, Sloppy Joes and more – not your ordinary dinner!

4. The National Watermelon Promotion Board provides practically everything there is to know abut watermelons, from health and nutrition facts to fun and trivial information. Here are some fun facts:

• The first recorded watermelon harvest occurred about 5,000 years ago in Egypt.
• Watermelon is 92 percent water.
• Watermelon's official name is Citrullus Lanatus, a member of the botanical family Cucurbitaceae. It is a cousin to cucumbers, pumpkins and squash.
• By weight, watermelon is the most-consumed melon in the U.S., followed by cantaloupe and honeydew melon.
• Early explorers used watermelons as canteens.
• The first cookbook published in the U.S. in 1776 contained a recipe for watermelon rind pickles.
• In 1990, Bill Carson of Arrington, TN grew the largest watermelon ever recorded at 262 pounds. It is still on the record books (the Guinness Book of World Records, to be exact).

5. As many innovative party planners know, carving a bowl out of a watermelon makes a summery centerpiece for your picnic table. If you want to be even more impressively creative, check out these watermelon carvings. Everything from a shark head, turtle and Tyrannosaurus Rex to a submarine, convertible and more are all there. Who knew you could do so much with watermelons? Happy National Watermelon Day!