This weekend Greenville residents can expect to see a lot of &uot;seedy characters&uot; in town when Greenville Academy hosts its annual Watermelon Jubilee.

For 20 years, the Watermelon Jubilee has brought a weekend of fun to Greenville families and visitors atop Watermelon Hill. This year promises to be no different, with a variety of entertainment from musicians to puppet shows.

&uot;Friday is dedicated to gospel music and will feature the Rhythm Masters from Andalusia from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday night,&uot; said Hubert Little, the Watermelon Jubilee’s event coordinator.

On Saturday, Miss Camellia 2001 Scarlotte Deupree will join in the entertainment along with soloist Michelle Fannin and bluegrass bands. Watermelon Hill also will be the host to 100 vendors of arts and crafts and festival food vendors, not to mention the endless supply of mouth-watering watermelon at the largest watermelon contest in the southeast.

The Greenville Lions Club also will host its ever-famous Alabama Watermelon Seed-Spitting Championship with the lucky winner walking away with a pocket full of cash. The Lions also will offer free sight and diabetes screenings.

&uot;It’s just an event that has benefited the community,&uot; said Little, who has been involved with the jubilee for 18 years. &uot;It is a wholesome atmosphere that families can enjoy.&uot;

This year’s Watermelon Jubilee kicks off on Friday at 3 p.m. and will last until 8 p.m., then will open its gates again on Saturday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.