Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Watermelon seeds are going in the ground, and before we know it, June will be here – the time to enjoy juicy watermelon slices and celebrate a slice of the good life at Monticello's 72nd Annual Watermelon Festival! From pageants to parades, bed races and barbecue, street dances to car shows and more, the festival events – sponsored by the Monticello-Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce since 1949 – promise loads of small town fun for the entire family beginning June 3 and culminating on June 17. This year's theme is “Homegrown Happiness.”
Each year the community honors one of its citizens with the distinction of serving as the Watermelon Parade Grand Marshall. Nominations for Parade Grand Marshall will be accepted until noon on Friday, May 5. The Parade Grand Marshal is presented to a resident of Jefferson
County who has made a positive difference through leadership, community involvement, volunteerism and overall public service to our county. These activities should be outside the duties of the individual's regular job. Previous winners from the past five years are not eligible.
If you know of someone deserving of this honor, the Chamber invites you to complete a nomination form, where the nominee's contributions to different aspects of community life can be listed. Nomination forms are available at the Chamber office (420 W. Washington St.) and online at monticellowatermelonfestival.com. The deadline is noon on Friday, May 5.
Other aspects of the festival that require applications include the Bed Race Entry, Vendor Village, Arts & Crafts Vendors, Baby Photo Contest, Car Show Entry, Pickleball Tournament and Parade Entry. All applications are available online at monticellowatermelonfestival.com. Individuals or businesses interested in becoming a Watermelon Festival Sponsor can also find the 2023 Sponsorship Kit at the festival website.