Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.
After Watermelon Festival royalty are crowned this weekend, the line-up of festival events continues from Friday, June 9, through Saturday, June 17.
On Friday evening, June 9, three events will get the watermelon juices flowing. The Kick-Off Dinner starts at 5 p.m., followed by the Bed Race at 6:30 p.m., all the while the Watermelon Crawl is happening from 5 to 9 p.m. For more details, read below or visit MonticelloWatermelonFestival.com.
Kick-Off Dinner
Friday, June 9, 5-6:30 p.m.
The Kick-Off Dinner, sponsored by North Florida Abstract & Title, turns the downstairs Perkins Hall of the Monticello Opera House (MOH) into a mouthwatering BBQ line. The main course is Del's Pork Sammy, featuring savory, succulent, slow-cooked meat. Signature sides include creamy, triple-cheese homemade mac and cheese; freshly chopped and dressed cole slaw; and baked beans “steeped in local flavor, love and tradition.” Tickets are available through advance online sales only at MonticelloWatermelonFestival.com and are likely to sell out. Get your seat asap! Adult plates go for $10 each; kid plates for those 12 and under cost just $5. During the dinner, winners of the pageants, baby photo contest and dog photo contest will be announced!
Bed Race
Friday, June 9, 6:30 p.m.
After the barbecue, checkered flags will be waving for the Bed Race, sponsored by AssuredPartners. If attending this event is not already one of your traditions, it's time to give it a try. Teams and the cheering crowd will gather just outside MOH on Mulberry Street to enjoy the decorations each team has put together to give their racing bed a distinctive flair and get caught up in the excitement as the entries roll down to City Hall and back with their eyes on the prize. If you want to be in the race, it's not too late, but registration closes on Wednesday, June 7.
Watermelon Crawl
Friday, June 9, 5 to 9 p.m.
Downtown businesses will be open late for Monticello's own Watermelon Festival shopping and dining extravaganza, organized by Experience Monticello. Visit any six of the twenty-six participating locations clustered on North Jefferson, East Dogwood, Washington and Cherry streets, turn in your stamped Watermelon Crawl card, and you'll qualify for a drawing to win gift cards valued at $400! During your
Watermelon Crawl, you can visit Oh Happy Day Gifts, The Luckie Pearl, Two Sisters...New Beginnings, Flossie Mae's Boutique, Décor de France, Glazed Over Donuts & More, The Appel Shop, Taylor Massage, Dogwood Market, Lil Figs Café, Soulshine Vintage, Penny Lane Emporium, The Luckenbooth Shop, The Arctic Scoop, Aveline Boutique, The Porch on the Green, Jackie's Brick House Eatery, Mafia Pizza, GEM Nails & More, Mia's Cakes, CrazyHorse Clothing, Rust & Rose, BeYOUiful Skin Spa, Vintage Treasures and The Avera Clarke House. Pick up your card from any merchant or download it in advance at MonticelloWatermelonFestival.com.
Pickleball Tournament
8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Saturday, June 10
Head on out to the courts at the Jefferson Recreation Park (1380 Mamie Scott Dr.) for one of the festival's newer events – the Pickleball Tournament! Games will begin at 8 a.m. for Mixed 50 and Over Open, and 6 p.m. for Mixed 49 and Under Open. The entry fee of $35 per person includes healthy snacks and water. To register, go to MonticelloWatermelonFestival.com. Direct any questions to the Chamber at (850) 997-5552.
Looking Ahead to June 15-17
The Woman's Club Luncheon and Fashion Show on Thursday, June 15, is sold out. The Watermelon Festival will culminate on June 16-17, with a Vendor Village, Street Dance, Beer Garden, Kids Show, Kiwanis 5K Run/Walk, Watermelon Parade, Antique Car Show, Family Entertainment and Watermelon Games. More details to come, or view the Festival Booklet at MonticelloWatermelonFestival.com.