Summertime fun on Watermelon Hill

Published 12:00 am Thursday, August 9, 2007

From bungee jumps to jumpin' tunes; from arts and crafts to appetizing funnel cakes: all this and much more will be part of the Greenville YMCA Watermelon Jubilee this weekend atop Watermelon Hill.

The festival is Saturday, August 11 from 8 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for children.

&#8220We have about 55 vendors lined up who will be selling everything from candles and children's clothing to leather items, jewelry, live plants and woodcrafts,” Y Director Amanda Phillips said.

Displays of vintage tractors from Old Time Farm Day and motorcycles courtesy of the Wetumpka Motorcycle Club are also planned for the event.

Tasty treats such as barbecue, shaved ice, ice cream and funnel cakes will be offered to attendees - and as always, the slices of sweet, juicy watermelon are free.

The expanded children's section will feature a children's petting zoo, pony rides and a bungee jump, among other attractions.

Attendees can also purchase chances on a hand-stitched watermelon quilt for only $1 a chance or buy the official Watermelon Jubilee Cookbook as a special memento or gift for $10.

Local talents, including Neal and Faith Braden, Millie McDonald's voice students and Blu Braden, will perform throughout the day both Saturday and Sunday.

A big concert is planned for Saturday night, featuring Butler County native Marty Raybon, formerly of &#8220Shenandoah.”

&#8220We are so excited to have Marty come to perform for us. We want everyone to come out and bring their lawn chairs Saturday night and enjoy the music,” Phillips said.

Advance tickets for the concert are only $10 and include admission to both days of Jubilee. Tickets at the gate Saturday night will be $15.

Raybon will perform a few songs at 1 p.m. atop Watermelon Hill Saturday to give a sneak preview of his concert.

The music kicks off Saturday night at 7 p.m. on the football field with another native son, singer/songwriter/musician Rock Killough. Raybon is then slated to take the stage for a 45-minute set. Another local talent, Renny McNaughton, will entertain the crowds before Raybon returns for his final set.

With festive food, fun, marvelous music and vendors, you can't go wrong, Phillips said.

&#8220We think we have a really fun and exciting weekend on the hill planned and we encourage everyone to come out and join us,” Phillips said.

For more info, contact the Greenville YMCA at 382-0550.