The annual Watermelon Pageant signups are underway. Registration fee is $45 and must be paid no later than the deadline, June 16, at 4:00 p.m. Applications must be filled out online. The deadline applies to the application, registration fee and photo for the photogenic category. To apply, visit http://franklincountychamber.org/pageant. See the website for rules and other details.

The pageant begins July 15 at 10:00 a.m. at the Russellville City Schools Auditorium. Age divisions include 0-11 months, one year, two years, three to four years, five to six years, 7-9 years, 10-13 years, 14-17 years and 18-21 years. Check-in is backstage. Lineup is 15 minutes prior to stage time. Contestants should be dressed and ready upon arrival. Dress areas will be limited.

Queens will be presented at the Watermelon Festival opening ceremony on August 18. The Watermelon Festival Queen (Age 18-21) will also be responsible for cutting the first watermelon at the ceremony, awarding prizes at the Watermelon Festival, riding in the Russellville Christmas Parade on December 7 and crowning at the 2024 Watermelon Pageant.

Girls 9 and under are not permitted to wear glitz pageant wear. Girls 10 and older are permitted to wear pageant wear. The Watermelon Pageant is a natural pageant, and makeup should be age appropriate.

To be crowned Miss Watermelon Queen (18-21 Years), participants are required to have graduated from or be currently attending a Franklin County High School, Russellville City High School or Northwest-Shoals Community College. Participants also confirm that they are unmarried and do not plan to be married during their reign of Miss Watermelon Queen.