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Why do watermelons have fancy weddings? Because they cantaloupe! The Washington Parish Watermelon, Fruit, and Vegetable Festival is back in business, y’all!

The Franklinton event will take place July 7-9, 2023. With this event coming back after being away for 20 years, the public is urged to come out and enjoy and celebrate. This celebration is brought back thanks to Mr. Perry Talley who is working with the Washing Parish Watermelon, Fruit, and Vegetable Association. Mr. Talley is a well-known citizen in the area, who has been the driving force behind the movement to bring recognition back to the parish.

“I’ve been growing them [watermelons] since 1943 and am one of the few ‘old timers’ left in rural Washington Parish. The melon patch, whether you sold them or not, was part of our way of life”, Mr. John Gallaspy, a watermelon farmer, stated.

The event itself will be large enough to hold different activities for up to three days! This year’s event will begin with a kick-off parade at 8 pm Friday. This parade will begin at Industrial Park and follow the route to the Fair Parade. A fireworks display will begin later in the evening. Saturday, the fun continues with entertainment and more!

The Watermelon Festival events are as follows:

Friday, July 7, 2023

• Watermelon Festival Parade and American Legion Flag Raising- 6 pm
• Sweetheart Dance: 7 pm-until
• Fireworks show: 9:30 pm-until

Saturday, July 8, 2023 (Carnival vendors and rides will open at 8 am)

• Wild Game & Peach Cobbler Cook Off: 8 am
• Jubilee Tractor Show: 8:30 am- 4 pm
• Petting Zoo: 10 am-until
• Car Show: 10 am-4 pm
• Eating and Watermelon Contest Sign up: 10 am- 10:45 am
• Ranch Style Rodeo: 10:45 am
• Eating Contests (Hot dog/Pie): 11 am-11:30 am
• Legacy Watermelon Contests: 12:30 pm
• Firetruck Hosedown: 1:30 pm
• Greased Pig Contest: 2:30 pm
• Frog Jumping: 3:30 pm
• Turtle Race: 3:45 pm-6 pm
• Chicken Race: 4 pm
• Rusty Bucket Band: 7 pm- 9 pm

Saturday, July 9, 2023

• Summer Flavor Gospel SInging: 10 am- 12 noon
• Vendors and Rides open at 12 noon
• Wild Goat Milking: Noon- 12:30
• Jamboree “Domestic” Contests: 1 pm- until
• Sunday Cook Off: 1 pm-until
• Sangria Bulls, Barrels, Bands, and Broncos: 2 pm
• Dean King: 4 pm- 8 pm