Grand Bay Watermelon Festival finishes with severe storm

GRAND BAY, Ala. (WALA) - The 39th annual Grand Bay Watermelon Festiva l kicked off Wednesday morning. The festival had a few hours of celebration before a severe storm hit the area around noon and most people left to take cover.

"Guess if it starts raining, we are going to take off for our cars," said one festival goer.

Hundreds of people attended the event that features all you can eat watermelon contests, arts and crafts entertainment and food. The festival had a children's area with a petting zoo and pony rides.

"Well we walked around, listen to the music and looked at the animals," said one festival goer.

Festival organizers advertised rain or shine.

Even though most people left when the rain hit and most vendors took down their tents, organizers said they kept the festival open until it was time to close.

Organizers said the money made from the festival goes back into the community through the Odd Fellow Organization.