Now in its 42nd year, the Franklin County Watermelon Festival is a longtime favorite. This year’s festival takes place Aug. 18-19 in downtown Russellville. The festivities kick off Aug. 18 at 6:45 p.m. with the opening ceremony.

Reigning Watermelon Queen, Silvie Miller, will cut the first watermelon of the festival. 
 Free watermelon will be available near the main stage after the opening ceremony August 18 at 6:45 p.m. On August 19, free watermelon will be available in the Russellville First Baptist Church park from 11:00 a.m. until it’s gone, as well as by the main stage at 6:00 p.m.

Friday’s musical entertainment features Tremayne at 7:00 p.m. and Velcro Pygmies at 8:30 p.m. 
 Saturday’s musical lineup features Rewind at 6:00 p.m., Austin Bohannon at 7:00 p.m. and Colt Ford at 8:30 p.m. 
 Other activities include contests, vendors and a car show. The Franklin County Watermelon Festival car show takes place August 19 from 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., with prizes awarded throughout the day. For more information, call 256-412-5724.

A 5K and one-mile fun run will take place August 19 at 7:30 a.m., with registration at 6:45 a.m. at the Russellville High School field House. 5K registration is $25. One-mile registration is $20.

The event is hosted by the RHS cross-country team. The one-mile fun run takes place immediately following the 5K. 
Registration for the watermelon contests is at 10:00 a.m., judging is at 11:00 a.m. and the winners will be announced at 12:00 p.m.

Contest categories include Largest Weighing Watermelon (from Franklin County), Largest Weight Watermelon (from outside Franklin County), Best Tasting Watermelon, Best Dressed Watermelon, Most Unusual Watermelon and Watermelon Seed Spitting.
 As part of Saturday’s festivities, character guests will be at the festival from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Addie’s Flip Tip and Tap will perform at the Roxy at 11:00 a.m., and Tara Greenhill’s students will perform at 1:00 p.m. The Roxy is selling sweet and T-shirts and holding a drawing for prizes. Super Mario Bros. will play in the Roxy at 3:00 p.m. (and 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., unless there’s rain, in which case entertainment would be moved inside and cancel the later showings).

Check out our annual special Watermelon Festival section in this week’s paper for more details, as well as photos. You just might see yourself or someone you know. To view it online, click HERE.