Watermelon pageant to kick off upcoming festival

By Staff
Melissa Cason
It's that time of year again. It's watermelon season in Franklin County, and our annual Watermelon Festival is just around the corner.
The festival will kick this weekend with the crowing of the 2008 Miss Watermelon Queen.
"We are very excited about this weekend's pageant," Cheryl Bradford, executive director for Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, said.
Bradford said there are 85 entries in this year's pageant spanning 10 categories from birth to age 19.
"Each participant will compete in the photogenic, beauty, best outfit, and prettiest smile categories," Bradford said.
She said entertainment will not be added to the competition nor will there be talent competition.
"We are excited to have very special guest Samantha Dunn, our state Miss Watermelon, with us Saturday," Bradford said. "Dunn will compete in the national Miss Watermelon competition."
Dunn along with our reigning Miss Watermelon Queen, Lydia Hammock of Red Bay, will crown the new 2008 Miss Watermelon Queen.
"We are so excited to have the state watermelon queen coming to our pageant," Bradford said.
In addition to the crown, the Miss Watermelon Queen will received $500 cash for anyone college of her choice. She will compete in the state watermelon competition, which will be held in February 2009.
Miss Watermelon Queen will open the festival on Aug. 15 with the cutting of the watermelon.
She will also be expected to be available for different chamber events throughout the year.
The pageant will be held in the Russellville High School auditorium, and will begin at 10 a.m. The cost of admission is $5 per person. Children six and under are free.