Franklin County, News, Z - News Main
 By  Staff Reports Published 
10:20 am Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Watermelon Queen: Amber Gibson takes 2016 crown

Amber Gibson has been named the 2016 Watermelon Queen.

Amber Gibson has been named the 2016 Watermelon Queen.

By Bernie Moussad for the FCT

bernie.moussad@fct.wpengine.com

 

Each year, one lucky lady is selected for the coveted title of Watermelon Queen, and July 23, Amber Gibson was chosen for this honor for 2016.

The Watermelon Pageant is a yearly event hosted by the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. The pageant is divided up into multiple age groups, starting from 0-11 months all the way to 18 years and older.

Gibson, the 2016 Watermelon Queen, has been preparing for this moment since she was just in Contestants were judged on their smile, hair, dress and many other categories. Each age group had its own queen, but the 18 and older group boasts the ultimate Watermelon Queen, who presides over the Watermelon Festival.

For Gibson, this is more than just winning a competition. “I think it’s an honor to represent Franklin County,” she said. “I’m extremely honored and blessed.”

Gibson would like future competitors to know this: “Just be you and have confidence in yourself and just strive for your dreams.”

Gibson will open the Watermelon Festival in August by slicing the munching the first juicy slice of the festival’s namesake fruit.

Also on Franklin County Times
2 pieces of turnout gear lost during fire
Main, News, Phil Campbell
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
December 24, 2025
PHIL CAMPBELL — Two turnout jackets were damaged during a Thanksgiving Day structure fire while firefighters were conducting an interior attack. Fire ...
Council to renew fines and notices
Main, News, Phil Campbell
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
December 24, 2025
PHIL CAMPBELL — Enforcement actions for a group of deteriorating downtown buildings will resume after council members voted Dec. 16 in favor of the ac...
Public donations make baby box possible
Main, News, Russellville, ...
Alyssa Sutherland For the FCT 
December 24, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE — City Council members have approved the purchase of a Safe Haven Baby Box using funds donated for that purpose. Two different families, ...
EMS train for K-9 emergency treatment
Franklin County, Main, News, ...
By Brady Petree For the FCT 
December 24, 2025
FLORENCE – Franklin County Sheriff’s Deputy Jaret Yancey and his K-9 officer Mateo have only been together for a few months, but the pair have already...
West Elementary hosts ‘Polar Express’ celebration
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
December 24, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE -- West Elementary School marked the Christmas season with a series of activities centered on music, generosity and long-standing holiday...
Innovate Alabama critical to state’s economic future
Columnists, Opinion
December 24, 2025
Alabama has long been recognized for its success in industrial and manufacturing recruitment. Our state offers aggressive incentives and support to at...
Cultura Garden Club celebrates Christmas
Columnists, Opinion
HERE AND NOW
December 24, 2025
Christmas for Cultura Garden Club members this year meant gathering around a table, sharing food made with care and enjoying the kind of fellowship th...
THS assistant principal gets championship ring
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
December 24, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE — Tharptown High School’s faculty surprised Assistant Principal Sherry Parker with a championship ring recognizing her role on the 1981 V...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *