Franklin gears up for free, fruity fun
Shootin’ You Straight performs at the Watermelon Festival in 2019. The group returns this year as part of the 2021 festival set for this weekend.
Franklin County, News, Top News Stories FRONT PAGE, Z - News Main, Z - TOP HOME
 By  Staff Reports Published 
2:03 pm Friday, August 20, 2021

Franklin gears up for free, fruity fun

Plenty of fruity fun is on tap for this weekend, when a sweet summer treat takes center stage during the annual Franklin County Watermelon Festival.

Set for Aug. 20-21 in Russellville, the Watermelon Festival offers arts and crafts, a variety of watermelon contests, car and truck show, tractor show, food vendors, children’s activities, games and musical entertainment, along with free samples of watermelon.

“We are so excited for the 40th annual Watermelon Festival,” said Emily Mays, secretary of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Board. “Nothing celebrates summer in Franklin County quite like the Watermelon Festival, and we are thrilled for everyone to get out and enjoy this year’s event.”

The 2020 festival would have been the 40th, had it not fallen victim to the coronavirus pandemic. Organizers said it is exciting the festival is able to return this year.

“The festival would not be successful if not for the generous support of our sponsors and volunteers. It takes numerous people working from within multiple departments in Russellville and Franklin County to prepare for this two-day event,” said Cassie Medley, executive director of the Franklin County Commerce.

The festival weekend begins with opening ceremonies at 5:45 p.m. Friday. Music gets underway at 6 p.m. when Tremayne takes the stage, followed by REWIND of the Shoals and Shootin’ You Straight, a Lynyrd Skynyrd cover band.

The music continues Saturday beginning at 6 p.m. with performances by the Kerry Gilbert Band, Joseph Baldwin Band and the Ultimate Garth Brooks Tribute.

Additional free local entertainment can be found Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Historic Roxy Theatre.

Contests centered on watermelons – including watermelon seed spitting, the largest melon, best-tasting melon, most unusual and best-dressed melons – are a highlight each year, entertaining festivalgoers of all ages.

More than 100 vehicles are expected for the car and truck show Friday night and Saturday morning, and additional activities include a 5K run and 1-mile fun run, character guests to entertain the children and the Franklin County Extension contests.

The Southeast Tourism Society named the Watermelon Festival a Top 20 Event in the Southeast in August 2019.

“We look forward to a wonderful weekend celebrating the 40th Franklin County Watermelon Festival,” said Medley. “This year’s festival offers main stage entertainment along with the vendors; car, truck and tractor shows; kids’ area; and, of course, watermelon. It is sure to be fun for the entire family.”

“I’m looking forward to the Watermelon Festival returning this year,” said Mayor David Grissom. “It’s a treasured Russellville tradition and a great way to celebrate summer and have fun together as a community.”

All activities take place along main street, Jackson Avenue. Hours are 6-10 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free.

For more details, visit the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce website at www.franklincountychamber.org and click on the Watermelon Festival link or call 256-332-1760.

For the latest information, like the Franklin County Watermelon Festival page on Facebook.

Also on Franklin County Times
Bill would eliminate YO status in cases of murder
Franklin County, Main, News
Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
September 10, 2025
MONTGOMERY — A local state representative has pre-filed a bill that would prevent someone 16 or older who is charged with murder or capital murder fro...
Strickland takes council seat after Trulove’s withdrawal
Main, News, Red Bay
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 10, 2025
RED BAY — Jonathan Strickland has been declared the next Place 3 memberof theRedBayCity Council after incumbent Herbert Trulove withdrew from the Sept...
School threats are no joking matter
Main, News, Phil Campbell, ...
Alyssa Sutherland For the FCT 
September 10, 2025
PHIL CAMPBELL — The saddest thing about the Sept. 3 bomb threat at Phil Campbell High School is the lasting impact the hoax will have on the life of t...
Ambassadors program gives students taste of leadership
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 10, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE --the Ambassadors program at Tharptown Elementary is giving students an introduction to leadership. The program gives elected fifth and s...
Book Lovers Club to host violence awareness program
Columnists, Opinion, Russellville
HERE AND NOW
“We look forward to expanding our knowledge of the issues while engaging members and communities to unite in addressing this pervasive societal epidemic.”
September 10, 2025
The GFWC Book Lovers Study Club will host an awareness session about domestic and sexual violence at 2 p.m. on Sept. 20 at Russellville First Methodis...
Opinion: SPACECOM headquarters should be in Huntsville
Columnists, Opinion
September 10, 2025
After years of political wrangling, President Trump is bringing Space Command (SPACECOM) headquarters back to its rightful home in Huntsville. This wa...
Space Command could boost region’s economy
News
Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
September 10, 2025
FLORENCE—Northwest Alabama officials said the Sept. 3 announcement that the U.S. Space Command will be moved to Huntsville could boost local economies...
RHS volleyball team pushes record to 17-5
High School Sports, News, Russellville Golden Tigers, ...
Brannon King For the FCT 
September 10, 2025
The busy week for the Russellville volleyball team was highlighted by a home match against county rival Phil Campbell, the first area match of the sea...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *