American Food Festivals - This Alabama town celebrates this sweet, cool summer treat that pairs well with salt!

On these hot summer days, a cool refreshment is always welcome. But what about a lovely, cooled fruit to accompany that summer BB! dinner? 

Of course, we are talking about watermelon. Our next stop takes you to the deep south, to the charming Alabama community of Russellville, the self-proclaimed Watermelon Capitol of Alabama, with its unique southern hospitality and rich watermelon culture. 

The two-day Montgomery County Watermelon Festival starts on Friday, August 16, and as is typical with these fun summer events, there will be loads of free live entertainment.

A locally grown crop, there will be several exciting watermelon contests. Get ready for the thrill of competitions for the largest grown watermelon from Montgomery County and those grown outside of the county.Even though most grocery store watermelons these days are seedless, there will be a contest for those who remember when they contained seeds and how they were dispatched. Of course, we are referring to a watermelon spitting contest!

If you visit, you will have a chance to experience an American tradition that is still popular in southern states. Visitors will also have a chance to meet Miss Watermelon Festival Queen, Miss Annie Willis.

Located in the northeastern corner of Alabama, Russellville is best reached by flying into either Memphis or Nashville, which are about two and a half hours away. Traveling into either of those cities offers a drizzling array of options, from Graceland in Memphis to the Grand Old Opry in Nashville.

Another nearby city worth visiting is about an hour away. Tupelo, Miss., is the birthplace of Elvis and is a must-stop for any devotee of the King.

More information about the Montgomery Watermelon Festival is available here.

Remember, if you participate in the watermelon spitting contest, if you accidentally swallow a seed, you might be in for a surprise in about nine months!