As the Franklin County Watermelon Festival is set to return this year, so are some of the community’s favorite accompanying events – including the annual Watermelon Festival Beauty Pageant.

The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce is now accepting applications for the pageant, set to be held July 17 in Russellville City Schools Auditorium.

“The Chamber is excited and thankful for the opportunity to host the pageant and other events surrounding the 40th Franklin County Watermelon Festival,” said Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Director Cassie Medley. “My favorite parts of the pageant are seeing the little ladies in watermelon outfits and the Watermelon Queen being crowned.”

The pageant is open to girls from age 0-21 for an entry fee of $45.

All ladies in these age categories are welcome to participate, but to be crowned as Watermelon Queen for the 18-21 age category, the winner must have either graduated from or currently attend a high school in Franklin County or attend Northwest-Shoals Community College.

Each age division will award a queen, first runner-up, second runner-up, most photogenic, prettiest dress, prettiest smile and prettiest hair.

All watermelon pageant queens will be recognized at the Watermelon Festival at the opening ceremony Friday night and Saturday morning at the Historic Roxy Theatre.  

All applications must be turned in by June 24.

The Watermelon Queen will be in Franklin County Christmas parades and will crown the 2022 Watermelon Queens.