Watermelon Festival set for weekend
The Franklin County Watermelon Festival is a tried and true tradition that area residents and out-of-town guests have celebrated for the past 31 years.
Chamber of Commerce Director Nina McNatt said this year’s festival will feature the crafts, contests, vendors, food and games that many people look forward to year after year.
“We will have vendors selling everything from jewelry to T-shirts to Alabama and Auburn memorabilia to arts and crafts,” McNatt said. “And some of the favorite food vendors like ‘the corn man’ will be back this year, too.”
While most of the vendors are seasoned Watermelon Festival veterans, a few new vendors will be on hand this year as well.
“We’ll have a booth where residents can find out more about having a storm shelter installed on their property because that’s a big thing on people’s minds right now,” McNatt said. “FEMA will also be set up for residents who might still have questions about disaster aid.”
Several residents thought the recent legalizing of alcohol for the city of Russellville would bring some changes to the festival’s events or vendors, but McNatt said due to Russellville’s ordinances like the one specifying alcohol cannot be sold on city property, alcohol will not be sold by vendors.
“Russellville has an open container law, so that pretty much takes care of the alcohol question,” McNatt said.
For those who enjoy antique and current vehicles of all kinds, the annual car show will take place near the Franklin County Courthouse on Saturday. Over 200 cars are expected for this year’s show.
Registration will take place Saturday morning from 7 a.m. until 10 a.m. in front of the courthouse. The registration fee is $20 for one car and $15 for any additional car by the same owner. Judging will take place at 11 a.m. and awards will be given at noon.
“The car show is always a favorite attraction at the Watermelon Festival,” McNatt said. “The music and entertainment are also things people really enjoy. There will be music for all types of listeners including bluegrass, country, gospel and soft rock.”
McNatt said most of the performers on this year’s line up were new to the festival but they aren’t necessarily new to the area. Only two of this year’s performers are from outside Franklin County.
“We have so much talent right here, it’s just unbelievable,” McNatt said. “We have several young musicians performing at the Roxy and Joseph Baldwin, who just won the state songwriter’s contest, will be performing on the main stage. It’s definitely something you don’t want to miss out on.”
The Praise and Worship Team at First United Methodist Church in downtown Russellville will also perform starting at 2 p.m. inside the church’s sanctuary for people who are looking for a cool place to enjoy Christian music during the day on Saturday.
Besides the entertainment, arts, crafts and vendors that will keep festival goers occupied for hours, McNatt said it is just important for Franklin County residents especially to come and support their community’s events.
“This is a free festival happening right here in our own backyard with our own people,” McNatt said. “A lot of the vendors are local people and local organizations like the schools and civic organizations use the festival for fundraisers. And the Cattlemen’s Association uses the proceeds from the steak sandwich sale to re-invest in the community through scholarships.
“It’s just a good time to come out, be supportive, be with friends and neighbors and have a good time.”
Franklin County Watermelon Festival Entertainment Schedule
Main Stage Entertainment Line-Up
Friday, August 19
5:45- Opening Ceremony
6:00- Dixie Mafia
7:00- Brianna Lawler Dean
8:30- Travis Wammack
Saturday August 20
4:00- Allegro Country
5:00- Joseph Baldwin
6:00- The Winston’s
7:00- Treymayne
8:30- Riverbilly
Roxy Entertainment – Saturday August 20
10:00- Introduction of Pageant Winners
10:15- Northwest Twirlers
10:30- Lauren Stroud Students
10:45- Mercedes Lopez
11:00- 12:00- Massey Music Students
12:00 – 1:00- Lunch Break
1:00- Joyful Ringers
1:15- Spins & Smiles
1:30- Ashley Askew
1:45- Brandy Whitten
2:00- Taylor Hollimon
2:15- Kristin Davenport
2:30- Ethan Pharr
2:45- Blaze Bishop
3:00- Erica Smith
3:15- Lauren Mae Sturdivant
3:30- Burney Children
3:45- Brooklyn Hall
Courthouse Steps (Car Show)
10:00-12:30- Buford Parker
1:00-3:30- Billy Boyd
Park behind First Baptist Church
10:00-2:00 – The Cadillac’s
