Franklin County Watermelon Festival gears up

Now in its 42nd year, the Franklin County Watermelon Festival is a longtime favorite. This year’s festival takes place Aug. 18-19 in downtown Russellville. The festivities kick off Aug. 18 at 6:45 p.m. with the opening ceremony.

Reigning Watermelon Queen, Silvie Miller, will cut the first watermelon of the festival. 
 Friday’s musical entertainment features Tremayne at 7:00 p.m. and Velcro Pygmies at 8:30 p.m.

Saturday’s musical lineup features Rewind at 6:00 p.m., Austin Bohannon at 7:00 p.m. and Colt Ford at 8:30 p.m. 
 Other activities include contests, vendors and a car show.

The Franklin County Watermelon Festival car show takes place August 19 from 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., with prizes awarded throughout the day. For more information, call 256-412-5724. 
 A 5K and one-mile fun run will take place August 19 at 7:30 a.m., with registration at 6:45 a.m. at the Russellville High School field House. 5K registration is $25. One-mile registration is $20.

The event is hosted by the RHS cross-country team. The one-mile fun run takes place immediately following the 5K. 
 Additional festival features on Saturday include character guests from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., as well as contests and watermelon in the park from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

The Roxy’s “Dancing through the Decades” starts at 10:00 a.m. and runs through 5:00 p.m. Among the featured groups are Addie’s Flip Tip and Tap and Tara Greenhill’s students. Tickets cost $5 for one show or $10 for a day pass.