TIFTON — The Brumby Tennis July 4th celebration featured a new twist this year.

Watermelons are always served at the event, which took place at the Red Hill Athletic Center at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Friday, but one melon was a bit fancier: “Happy Birthday” was spelled out in candles to honor Mike Brumby.

The candles on the watermelon stubbornly refused to light, but the weekend had already been a perfect one for the leader of Brumby Tennis. Son, Harding Brumby, surprised his father with a visit home Thursday evening and was also on the courts Friday to defend his No. 1 ranking on the tennis ladder.

“I was totally surprised,” said Mike Brumby.

Harding, who serves in the Air National Guard, had only a short visit with the family before leaving for his next assignment. He said he and mom, Moppy, had worked with him to arrange the homecoming.

Players Friday also signed a giant tennis ball that was presented to Mike Brumby.

Friday’s tennis event at ABAC worked out just as well.

There were two sessions of players, with the younger players and beginners playing first before the more advanced players took over the courts. Both groups joined for the watermelon and birthday celebration. Later, they played Spikeball.

Moppy Brumby described Friday’s turnout as “great.”

“It was good,” said Mike Brumby.

The second session even worked out mathematically with 24 players, a perfect number for singles and doubles play.

Mike Brumby said a number of players had steadily progressed throughout the season to become “ladder leapers.” Thirteen moved up at least 15 spots on the ladder.

Brumby Tennis classes continue through July 20. There will be a singles tournament July 14 and a doubles tournament July 21.