By Bob Stickley

Well another year has come and gone and the annual Watermelon Festival will soon be upon us — August 20-21 as a matter of fact.

This is probably one of our biggest events here each year, as it attracts more than 30,000 people to our fair city.

Bobby Bolton of Bolton Furniture was the man who started it all in the old Moody Lot 30 years ago.

As the event continued each year, it got bigger and bigger. After its growth during the first few years the Chamber of Commerce took over to promote all the festivities.

This will be a bit different down town as the city has been under a massive change downtown and we will have some added beauty to show all of the visitors. The improvements include new street lights and floral islands with trees planed in them.

There will be plenty of entertainment taking place on the big stage both days and the Roxy will be open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday to showcase local talent.

There will be plenty of craft booths along with an antique car and tractor show.

Rides will be available for the youngsters and several vendors will be offering food. The Alabama Cattlemans Association will have those great steak sandwiches — if you haven’t tried one yet, you should.

Don’t forget there is also the biggest watermelon contest, and in past years there have been some whoppers brought to the competition.

Our Chamber of Commerce works hard every year to bring the best entertainment for the festivities.

Let’s all enjoy the Watermelon Festival this year.