Photo by Jordan Woodson

The Watermelon Festival kicked off Monday evening with the first Watermelon Festival Parade since the 1970s with many people in attendance.

Chamber of Commerce Director Beckie Moore was very pleased with how the parade went.

"What an exciting evening," she said. "I am very thankful for the community participation! The festival parade was the appetizer for the main dish that will be served August 5-7!"

Miss Southwest Arkansas Melody Stotts was the Grand Marshall for the parade and took it as a huge honor.

"I was especially excited that I was joined by the Diamond State Princess," she said. "I am delighted to have participated in these Hope festivities and it was great meeting more members of the Hope community."

Many businesses and pageant contestants were in attendance at the parade including some political candidates such as Republican candidate for Lt. Governor Doyle Webb, Arkansas State Commissioner Tommy Land, Republican candidate for Lt. Governor Joseph Wood, and candidate for Arkansas state Governor and current Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge.

Those who missed the parade can still view the full live stream here.

The Watermelon Festival officially kicks off Thursday, Aug. 5.

Photos by Jordan Woodson