The wait is over. The Watermelon Festival is here.

Months of lead-up, from the first day of T-shirt sales, to the reveal of the headlining artist, to the crowning of the Watermelon Queen have culminated in Franklin County’s biggest community festival of the year.

The 37^th Annual Franklin County Watermelon Festival, which was named a Top Twenty event by the Southeast Tourism Society of 2016, will begin Friday with the 5:45 p.m. Opening Ceremony. BreAnna Gasque will performed the National Anthem, and Watermelon Queen Chloe Erin Brown will cut the ceremonial first wedge of watermelon.

Taking the mainstage Friday night will be Purpose (6 p.m.), First Born Sons (7 p.m.) and 7 Bridges (8:30 p.m.). Saturday’s mainstage line-up will include The Cadillacs (5 p.m.), Southern Heat (6 p.m.), Joseph Baldwin Band (7 p.m.) before headliner Aaron Tippin (8:30 p.m.).

A full slate of entertainment will also perform at the Roxy Theatre Saturday morning and afternoon, from 10 a.m. to noon and 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Of course, live entertainment isn’t the only draw. Whether a festival-goer is looking to shop, check out the car or tractor show, meet character guests at Valley State Bank or enjoy a juicy slice of the festival’s namesake fruit, there is something for pretty much everyone.

Vendors will line Jackson Avenue, with a children’s area at the north end. Adding to the musical offerings, WSHF Pure Country will perform from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the park area behind First Baptist Church, where watermelon contests will entertain. Shirts will be available for sale at the chamber.

Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Director Cassie Medley said people should be aware that downtown Jackson Avenue will be closed to traffic at noon Friday for vendors to begin setting up. Smoking is not permitted on festival premises, and dog owners are encouraged to leave their furry friends at home – but at bare minimum, pets must be leashed.