NASCAR coming to festival

By Staff
Melissa Cason
A NACAR exhibit will be among the additions to the next week's Watermelon Festival.
Executive Director of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Cheryl Bradford said is exhibit is being brought to the festival exclusively by Long-Lewis Ford, Lincoln, Mercury of the Shoals and Long-Lewis of Russellville.
"This s a static event which means there won't be anyone from NASCAR but there will be race cars and NASCAR stuff people to look at and touch," Bradford said.
General Manager with Long-Lewis of Russellville Ed Blackburn said the dealership decided to sponsor the event as a thank you for the community for their support during the past year and a half.
"It's something to add to the Watermelon Festival," Blackburn said. "I know there are a lot of NASCAR fans in the community, and this is a way to thank them for supporting us."
The event is part the five piece national tour from Ford Racing and NASCAR and will include a NASCAR 18-wheel hauler, Fox Sports Nextel cut-away car, NASCAR Sprint racecar, Craftsmen Truck Series race truck, and John Force drag car.
Bradford said the display will be placed on North Jackson in front of Faith Mission Outreach and will extend to CB&S Bank.