Plans being finalized for Watermelon Fest
It is officially less than a month until the kick-off of the Franklin County Watermelon Festival, and Chamber of Commerce Director Cassie Medley said everything is in full swing to get preparations for the event wrapped up in the next few weeks.
Medley said the slate of entertainment for the two-day festival to be held August 16-17 has been confirmed and includes a mix of artists from different genres.
Friday’s entertainment will include Leann Trapp at 6 p.m., New Ground at 7 p.m., and the Kerry Gilbert Band at 8:30 p.m.
Entertainment on Saturday will get started at 4 p.m. with Joseph Baldwin, the Red Bay FFA Quartet and String Band at 5 p.m., Brianna Dean at 6 p.m., The Springs at 7:15 p.m. and The Flashbacks at 8:30 p.m.
“I believe we’re going to have a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy,” Medley said.
“I’m really excited about some of our new performers that we will have this year, and of course everyone is always excited to hear some of our returning favorites. I think it is going to be a great-line up.”
Medley said the official face of the festival, the Franklin County Watermelon Queen, was also chosen this past weekend at the Watermelon Festival Beauty Pageant.
Russellville resident Erin Masterson was selected as the 2013 Watermelon Queen and will be making appearances at the festival and serving as a judge for some of the events.
“Brooke Swinney, our 2012 Watermelon Queen, did an excellent job and represented Franklin County well,” Medley said.
“We appreciate all her hard work and service as our queen and I know that Erin will make us just as proud as the 2013 Watermelon Queen.”
Medley said Watermelon Festival T-shirts are still available in youth sizes for $10, adult sizes (S-XL) for $12, and adult sizes (2X-4X) for $15. Colors are red, gray, Kelly green, turquoise and yellow.
“Right now we still have all colors and sizes available but some of them are running low, so be sure to stop by and get a T-shirt while they last.”
T-shirts can be picked up at the Chamber office in downtown Russellville.
“Now that we’ve chosen the entertainment line-up and held the Watermelon Festival Pageant, we’re just working on promoting the festival through different media outlets and getting all of the vendors organized,” Medley said.
“The cut-off date to apply to be a vendor was this past Friday but we will still accept vendor applications with a late fee of $25, and applications can be found on the Chamber website.
“This year’s festival is looking like it will be a great event and we’re looking forward to seeing everybody in downtown Russellville August 16 and 17.”
