The newly crowned Illiana Watermelon Queen is settling into her role and beginning a year of public appearances and promotion.
The 2026 Queen hails from Knox County and was crowned over the weekend at the 36th annual Illiana Watermelon Convention in French Lick.
Nineteen-year-old Alexandrea Sutton earned the title as contestant number three in the competition. She is currently studying nursing at the University of Southern Indiana.
As Illiana Watermelon Queen, Sutton will serve as a promotional ambassador for the association throughout the coming year. Her schedule includes appearances at welcome centers, county and state fairs, supermarkets, parades, festivals, schools, and television interviews, along with other events aimed at promoting the watermelon industry.
Following the completion of her reign, Sutton will go on to represent the Illiana chapter in competition for the National Watermelon Queen title at the next year’s national convention.
The Illiana Watermelon Association will also be in the spotlight locally later this month, serving as the sponsor of the Knox County Chamber of Commerce’s annual luncheon. The event is set for Wednesday, January 28, at the YMCA.
