MONTICELLO, FL (WTXL) - Thousands of people are expected in Monticello next week for the 66th Annual Watermelon Festival, but residents are kicking off the festivities before the visitors come in.
A special dinner brought watermelon lovers to the historic Monticello opera house. This year's Watermelon Queens greeted dinner-goers Friday night.
Olivia Walton, the 2016 Teen Miss Watermelon Queen says it's an honor to show off the county this time of year: "Being part of Monticello is representing the county in a great way, serving the people. I love being around this community and everybody that's here. Everybody is so kind to us, and we look forward to representing the community."
The night also included a bed race and a rodeo hosted by the state softball champions from Aucilla Christian Academy.
More events are planned for next Friday and Saturday.
