Watermelon Festival Pageant opens for applications
By Ally Willis for the FCT
With the 35th Annual Watermelon Festival coming up, the Franklin County Watermelon Pageant is just around the corner.
Girls from birth to 21 years of age are able to participate in the pageant, which is set for July 18.
The pageant is held at the Russellville High School auditorium but is open to any girl from all schools. “The pageant brings all the Franklin County girls together,” said Franklin County Chamber of Commerce director Cassie Medley.
All participants will receive a participation trophy and a T-shirt. Winners of categories such as best dress and most photogenic, along with new categories such as best smile and best hair, will get an additional trophy.
The Queen of the ages 18-21 division will receive a scholarship, and the Watermelon Queen will receive a crown. Queens from all age groups will be presented at the opening ceremony of the Watermelon Festival, Aug. 14, and at the Roxy, Aug. 15. The queens are also invited to be recognized in the Christmas parade.
“The pageant is a great way for the girls to get involved with the community. It’s a simple pageant to provide a way for the girls to get more comfortable on stage,” said Medley.
Even girls from outside Franklin County may participate, except for the 18-21 age division, since “the Watermelon Queen represents Franklin County,” Medley said.
Contestants ages 0-9 may wear a Sunday outfit; girls ages 10-12 may wear pageant dresses.
“To me, the best part of the pageant is seeing the younger contestants gain independence by walking out on stage alone, without their mothers. Seeing them realize they can do it themselves is a great thing to watch,” Medley said.
Applications are available online at www.franklincountychamber.org and at the Chamber office. Application deadline is June 29.
