A much-anticipated annual rite of summer is returning to the Camellia City in August.

The Greenville YMCA once again will be hosting the Watermelon Jubilee Arts and Crafts Festival on the shady slopes of Watermelon Hill.

The fundraising event is slated for Saturday, August 12 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, August 13, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for children.

Attendees can anticipate everything from ceramics, original art, jewelry, coins, knives and kids' toys, to plenty of &#8220good eats” and good, old-fashioned family entertainment during the two-day event, YMCA Director Amanda Phillips said.

&#8220We already have around 60 vendors lined up, but we will probably have 80 or so when everyone gets signed up. We've still got phone calls coming in,” Phillips said on Thursday.

Festival organizers are still working on a lineup of live entertainment for Jubilee attendees to enjoy, Phillips said.

A special kids' section is also planned with activities to include a rock climbing wall and pony rides.

L.V. Stabler Memorial Hospital will have a booth at the Jubilee this year.

&#8220The hospital folks will be on hand to offer free blood pressure checks and make sure everyone is drinking plenty of water and doing well,” Phillips said.

For those dreading the long walk up the hill, &#8220Have no fear,” the Y director said.

&#8220The folks at Calico Fort are always good about loaning us their trams. People can pay admission at the bottom of the hill and catch a ride up to the top.”

Plenty of fun festival food will be offered, including a BBQ hut sponsored by the Greenville High Band Boosters, plus funnel cakes, hot dogs, burgers, cotton candy and much more.

Of course, no visit to the festival would be complete without sampling a slice of sweet, ice-cold, juicy watermelon, always free at the Jubilee.

&#8220We'll also be selling chances for a beautiful king-sized watermelon quilt, just $1 a chance. The quilt will be given away at 4 p.m. on Sunday, August 13,” Phillips said.

Watermelon Jubilee was created more than two decades ago as a fundraiser for Greenville Academy, which closed three years ago.

The Y, which is located on the school's former campus, revived the festival last year after a one-year hiatus.

Phillips wants to emphasize Watermelon Jubilee is an event for the entire community to enjoy.

&#8220The great thing about the Y is, it is a place for everyone, and that is also true about Watermelon Jubilee. We want everyone from the city, county and beyond to feel welcome to attend this festival.”

For more information, contact Phillips at 382-0550 or by e-mail at aphillips@ymcamontgomery.org.