Hi folks,

In a couple of weeks downtown Russellville will be crowded with folks enjoying the 38^th Watermelon Festival. It’s a time when friends meet and greet, share stories about past festivals and just enjoy a couple of days of fun-filled events.

Some of “Old Timers” are not with us in person, but the spirit of those will always be felt. I miss my old buddies J.C. Grissom, Roy Grissom and many others who played a great part in making the festival great, fun-filled days.

I am sure my friend Gene Graham will be in attendance, and I know it will be a good day for Gene and his many friends.

I look forward every year to visiting with my friend from Walker County, Mr. Walter Kilgore. Walter played a great part in the early festivals and did his very best to help make the festival great. He would always enter melons in the best-tasting contest, and the biggest melon as well, and he was a winner on several occasions.

I hope the new restaurant Doe’s located on main street will be open for the festival. This past week the new sign for Doe’s was erected, and it is really an eye catcher. I’m sure the food will be great. This is another plus for Russellville, and I am most thankful for everyone who played a part in bringing this restaurant to our city.

The Franklin County Watermelon Festival was listed as one of the top 10 festivals in the Southeast. The Chamber of Commerce does an outstanding job in organizing the festival each year, and a big “thank you” should be passed on to Mrs. Cassie Medley and everyone involved with the Chamber.

The list of entertainment will be great this year, so bring your lawn chairs and be prepared to spend two days enjoying everything that has been prepared for those attending.

At Bolton’s we plan a big sidewalk sale for Friday with a lot of real bargains lining the street.

Every year I look forward to a visit from my friend Mr. Jim Swartz and his wife from Florence. They never miss a festival, and I am sure they will be here this year as well.

Be sure to visit the 5¢ – 10¢ Antiques and Collectibles that will be open (I hope), located in the Old Whites 5¢ and 10¢ store building. Ellis Davis always had the sidewalk filled with specials from the old White’s building. We will miss seeing the many bargains, but I know we all will be excited about the new business that will be located in this building.

It’s going to be a fun-filled weekend, so make your plans to attend and be a part of the 38^th Watermelon Festival.

Til next time,

Your friend,

Bobby