ASHLAND, Ala. – It’s time for a road trip to Clay County for a really big festival this weekend – the Yellow-Meated Watermelon Festival!
That’s where you’ll find live music, lots of delicious food, acres and acres of vendors, a cornhole tournament, kids’ splash zone, and more, including the sweetest yellow-meated watermelon you will ever taste.
Carl F. Jones III is known far and wide as “The Fruit Carver” for very good reason.
“My wife and I get to travel to cool places throughout the year,” said Jones III. “Besides being invited back to the Clay County Festival, I’ll be in Ventura, California again in September for the Heirloom Seed Exposition.”
He travels the world doing exhibitions, shows, festivals, and events. Carl was a catering consultant for Ivanka Trump’s wedding in 2009 and also carved a fruit centerpiece.
“I’ve been to Orlando twice in the past nine months to carve for a billionaire’s wife and work with Disney’s designers,” Jones III noted.
Carl is a former restaurant owner and nationally known caterer. He began carving fruit in 2005 to help him cope with stress and depression. After daily practice, he got much better and quickly became a popular fruit artist.
“I love meeting people and seeing the joy on their faces as they look at my carvings,” expressed Jones III. “I am still surprised that I am a good enough artist to be asked to exhibit my art.”
Carl is also a master gardener and talented chef. He’s married, has 4 adult children, and 3 grandchildren. He lives in Jackson, Tennessee.
Y’all come out to meet him Friday night and all day Saturday, Aug. 2-3. The rest of the attractions are just a bonus!
Set your GPS to find Ashland City Park at 327 1st St. N, in Ashland, AL 36251.
