MURFREESBORO — What started nearly one-quarter century ago as a four-hour affair has blossomed into one of eastern North Carolina’s biggest events.

The North Carolina Watermelon Festival begins its 24th annual run in Murfreesboro on Wednesday, July 29; not as a four-hour event, but one that spans four days.

“The transformation this festival has seen over the years is amazing,” said event co-chairperson Kay Mitchell Thomas.

“We have grown from four hours to four days and feature a wider range of activities.

But what hasn’t changed over the years is the family-oriented atmosphere one will find in the friendly little town of Murfreesboro.

And, as is tradition, there is no admission fee and plenty of free parking.”

That “little” town will grow by leaps and bounds starting Wednesday as upwards to 40,000 visitors are expected at the festival over its four-day run.

As far as security goes, Murfreesboro Police Chief Darrell Rowe said there is a plan in place, one where law enforcement officers on foot and motorized patrols work in unison. “We try to make it as safe as possible for people while they’re here,” said Rowe.

The Murfreesboro Police Department receives assistance with the festival crowd from law enforcement agencies from all across the Roanoke-Chowan area. Rowe said during the peak hours of the event, 15 to 17 officers at a time are patrolling the festival grounds.

This year’s theme is “Where Hearts Meet.” Not only does the festival serve as a reunion for family and friends, event organizers have learned that new romances have been formed when couples met at the festival.

The festival’s opening day (Wednesday) is highlighted by an appearance by the popular Craig Woolard Band (8-11 p.m.) on the Broad Street stage.

Also on Wednesday’s agenda is the Murfreesboro Chamber of Commerce’s barbecue dinner (4-7 p.m.), the Island Boy Band (5 p.m.), amusement rides (the midway opens at 6 p.m.) and “Melon” (a Bingo type game, starting at 7:30 p.m., featuring loads of prizes). An opening ceremony will be conducted at 7 p.m. on Wednesday.

Thursday is “Thanks to Our Virginia Friends Night” at the festival. The Sliver Street Band (8 p.m.) is the featured musical entertainment on Thursday.

That day’s agenda also features a fish dinner sponsored by the Murfreesboro Rotary Club (4:30-7:30 p.m.), another round of “Melon”; the Hot Cakes Band at 5 p.m. and amusement rides. Business really picks up on Friday where the crafts/antiques fair opens at 12 noon.

Twobands will fill Friday’s air with music – The Revelers at 5 p.m. and the popular Johnny Dollar Band at 8 p.m. Jefcoat Museum will sponsor the day’s main meal – pork barbecue and fried chicken beginning at 4 p.m.

The midway area opens at 6 p.m. Saturday is the festival’s biggest day – beginning at 7 a.m. with a pancake breakfast at Murfreesboro Baptist Church and ending with the Castaways Band performing from 8-11 p.m. on the main stage.

In-between is the state’s largest agricultural parade (10 a.m. on Main Street), a 5K road race, the crowning of the 2009 Watermelon Princess, the selection of Little Mr. and Miss Farmer, watermelon eating and seed spitting contests, a Guitar Hero contest, amusement rides, a full afternoon/early evening line-up of entertainment (bands, clogging groups and solo artists) and a huge display of fireworks (9:15 p.m.)

For those looking to satisfy their hunger pains, a food court, featuring a wide range of goodies, will be open each of the four days. Also, be sure to visit the main tent where free slices of delicious, homegrown watermelons will be served.