Downtown Monticello has been transformed.

It's that time of the year again for the annual Watermelon Festival -hosted by the jefferson County Chamber of Commerce.

"It's a celebration of what used to be the largest crop grown in this county," said Sherri Dean, co-chair for the festival.

Thousands of people stormed the streets to join the festivities. That includes tons of vendors, exciting crafts, singing, a parade, fun rides...and did we mention the food?

"We've been doing the arts and crafts and eating and we've been enjoying the good music," said Vicki Rodgers, who came out with her family.

"This year it seems like it got bigger," said Samuel bouie, who also came out with his family.

This is the 62nd Annual Watermelon Festival and to think it was almost cancelled. A couple years ago watermelon sales were down, but local residents said no to that thought."

"The whole community got up in arms and said 'oh no we can't give up our watermelon festival,'" said Nan Baughman, co-chair for the festival.