It’s July, and that means the 2025 Washington Parish Watermelon Festival is just around the corner.
The festival will be held at the Fairgrounds in Franklinton on July 11, 12, and 13.
Organizers have been planning and preparing for a year now, and all three days of the festival are packed with family friendly events.
Here are just some of the events that have been planned for the 2025 festival:
Friday, July 11
•7 p.m. Ranch Rodeo at the Rodeo Arena.
•7 p.m. The Dean King Band, performing at the Down By The Branch stage.
Saturday, July 12
•9 a.m., the annual Watermelon Festival Parade will roll down Washington Street and up Main Street on the traditional Franklinton parade route. Aulton Cryer Sr. is the Parade Marshal this year.
•9.a.m, Car Show, with awards presented at 2 p.m.
•Watermelon Auction. Weigh-In starts at 8 a.m., with the auction beginning at 11 a.m.
•Watermelon Carving Contest, with categories for kids (10-12); teens (13-19); and adults (20 and up). Carvings must be submitted by 2 p.m. Judging will take place at 3 p.m., and winners will be announced at 4 p.m.
• 7 p.m., Back 40 Band, performing at the Down By The Branch stage.
• 9:30 p.m., the amazing Watermelon Festival fireworks show.
