[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 67 (Tuesday, May 14, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E653]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 HONORING FRANKLIN COUNTY, ALABAMA AND THEIR ANNUAL WATERMELON FESTIVAL

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                        HON. ROBERT B. ADERHOLT

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 14, 2013

  Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Franklin 
County, Alabama and their annual Watermelon Festival. The Franklin 
County Watermelon Festival began in 1981 with a group of local farmers 
gathering to sell their harvest of watermelons. This gathering created 
what is now the largest festival in Franklin County. This annual 
festival is organized by the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce and is 
sponsored by Franklin County businesses and individuals. This two day 
event, on the third weekend of August, is held at the Franklin County 
seat in the City of Russellville.
  Franklin County and Russellville welcome over 35,000 guests to this 
festival from neighboring counties and states each year.
  Civic clubs and organizations participate with their own special 
watermelon events as a time of fund raising.
  The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce sponsors Watermelon Contests 
and the Watermelon Pageant which produces a Queen for the festival. The 
Watermelon Queen presents awards for: best dressed melon, seed 
spitting, best tasting melon, most unusual melon, and of course the 
largest, heaviest melon.
  The Franklin County Watermelon Festival is made possible by 
volunteers who work year round to produce the best of entertainment, 
arts & crafts, food, activities and watermelon to please every palate.
  Again, it is my honor to recognize Franklin County, Alabama as the 
Watermelon Capital of Alabama.

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