It’s time to celebrate the watermelon in Shelby County, as the 25^th annual What-A-Melon Festival, sponsored by the Center Rotary Club will be held this Thursday through Saturday in downtown Center. Rotary Club past president Thomas Morrison says the three-day event is a big fundraiser that plays a big part in helping out groups and organizations throughout the county.

 

Morrison says opening ceremonies are at 5 o’clock Thursday, as the official “slicing of the melon” takes place by local dignitaries. The carnival kicks-off at that time, and the gospel singing begins at 5:30, featuring a number of local church groups and individuals performing.

 

Gates open at 3 p.m. Friday, with the pet show at 6, and the Darrin Morris Band from Longview plays at 7 p.m.

 

Saturday morning starts early and Morrison says funds raised by the What-A-Melon Crawl 5K run and Walk at 7 a.m. are being directed to local Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts, Cub Scouts and Explorer Post.

 

To register for the What-A-Melon Crawl 5K Run or Walk contact Anna Lee at 598-5688.

 

Morrison adds the Shelby County Cruisers Car Show gets underway at 9 Saturday morning, with carnival rides opening at 3, followed by the seed spitting and speed eating at 4 p.m., and a highlight of the festival, the What-A-Melon weigh-in is at 5. The pageant begins at 6 p.m. and Johnson’s Lost Crows from Shelbyville will take to the stage at 8 p.m.

 

Admission to the What-A-Melon Festival is a one-time fee of $4 for a button, and free for kids 5 and under.

 

WHAT-A-MELON t-shirts are available at the Chamber, Farmers State Bank and Shelby Savings Bank until noon Thursday.  Adult sizes are $15, Children's sizes and caps are $10. All items will be for sale at the festival.

 

By the way, the carnival armbands for all-u-can ride are $20 each, and will be honored from 5:30 to 10:30 Thursday, Friday & Saturday.