Festival looming

By Staff
Jonathan Willis
Summer is in full swing and the watermelon is ripe for Franklin County residents as they gear-up to celebrate the 28th Annual Watermelon Festival, Friday, August 14 and Saturday, August 15.
The annual event is sponsored by the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. Nashville recording artist Ray Stephenson is slated to perform as entertainment headliner Friday night of the Festival.
"Downtown Russellville is jammed packed with activities for this year's festival," said Kim Parker, director of the 2009 Watermelon Festival.
"There are new and unique activities scheduled to make the 28th year the biggest and best ever. The residents and families in Franklin County take ownership and great pride in the festival. We are ready to host our neighbors and friends and welcome visitors from all over the Southeast."
Watermelon Festival activities begin with the crowning of the 2009 Miss Watermelon Festival. Britan Bolding, a freshman at Northwest-Shoals Community College, was named Miss Watermelon during the pageant Aug. 1.
"The first order of business is to crown our queen," said Marsha Oliver, festival co-chairman and Chamber of Commerce board member. "We host babies and young ladies from northwest Alabama to compete in various divisions and crown our new Miss Watermelon prior to the festival."
"Miss Bolding will serve as our ambassador throughout the coming year. Along with mayors from throughout Franklin County, Britan will cut the ceremonial watermelon at opening ceremonies on Friday night. The pageant was a fun day and a big kick-off for the festival."
Along with a weekend full of entertainment, vendors come to Russellville from states throughout the Southeast to offer a wide variety of unique items and food.
"One thing is for sure, no one will be bored at this festival," said Buddy Perdue, festival co-chairman and Chamber of Commerce board member.
"This festival is a celebration and a time for families to gather and eat, laugh, play and have fun. We have a wide variety of activities – Watermelon food fest and contests, car/truck/motorcycle show, antique tractor show, a first time boat show, 5K/1K run, the Kiwanis bike ride, games and tons of new and unique arts and crafts, as well as great, quality entertainment. And, let's not forget – fabulous food."
"Local talent is also featured at the historic Roxy Theatre through the day," Parker said.
"This entertainment is in an air-conditioned venue to give anyone and everyone a little break from the heat. The weekend is jammed-packed and offers something fun for all ages."
For a complete listing of events and entertainment, please visit the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce website – www.franklincountychamber.org or call the Chamber office for additional information at 256-332-1760.