Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

THE DAILY NEWS 

Mark your calendars and get ready for a weekend full of fun, flavor, and family traditions! The 2025 Washington Parish Watermelon Festival is set to take place July 11–13 at the Fairgrounds in Franklinton, and organizers say this year’s celebration will be the biggest yet.

After a full year of planning, the three-day event will offer something for everyone, from rodeo action to live music, sweet treats to handmade goods, and contests for all ages. A wide range of food and craft vendors will be on site, offering southern eats, sweet festival favorites, artisan goods, and unique finds.

Meet and mingle with some of the sweetest queens this side of the parish. This group of outstanding young women and girls represent the spirit, charm, and tradition of our community.

2025 Washington Parish Watermelon

Festival Queens:

• Miss Washington Parish Watermelon

Festival – Grace Knight

• Teen Miss Queen – Addison Leos

• Junior Miss Queen – Isabella Ikerd

• Deb Miss Queen – Avery Branch

• Little Miss Queen – Taylor Druhet

• Petite Miss Queen – Carlyscott Burt

• Tiny Miss Queen – A’mya Newkirk

•Toddler Miss Queen – Arabella Barber

•Baby Miss Queen – Cheyenne McElveen

2025 Ranch Rodeo Queens:

•Miss WPWF Ranch Rodeo Queen – Shelbie Pittman

•Ranch Rodeo Junior Miss – Braelyn Milton

•Ranch Rodeo Little Miss – Leanna Milton

Festival Schedule Highlights

Friday, July 11

•7 p.m. – Ranch Rodeo at the Rodeo Arena

•7 p.m. – Live music by The Dean King Band on the Down By The Branch stage

Saturday, July 12

•9 a.m. – Annual Watermelon Festival Parade through Franklinton, led by Parade Marshal Aulton Cryer Sr.

•9 a.m. – Car Show (awards at 2 p.m.)

•8 a.m. – Watermelon Auction Weigh-In; Auction begins at 11 a.m.

•2 p.m. – Watermelon Carving Contest submission deadline

◦Categories for kids (10–12), teens (13–19), and adults (20+)

◦Judging at 3 p.m.; Winners announced at 4 p.m.

•7 p.m. – Back 40 Band takes the stage at Down By The Branch

•9:30 p.m. – Spectacular Festival Fireworks Show

Sunday, July 13

•9 a.m. – Gospel Singing

•5 p.m. – Festival Closes

With plenty of activities for all ages and a spirit of local pride and celebration, the Washington Parish Watermelon Festival promises another unforgettable summer weekend. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy the sweetest event of the season!