At this year’s 16th annual Watermelon Festival at Wright’s Market on Saturday, donations will be accepted for a home being built for a veteran in need.

The annual festival, set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., has been designated Home for a Hero Awareness Day. Items such as dishes, linens, lamps and shower curtains for the veteran and his family can be purchased and dropped off at Wright’s Market during the festival. A registry has been opened at Target and Bed Bath & Beyond. A donation box will also be at the market.

The goal is to raise $15,000, but owner Michelle Wright said she’d like to see $25,000, so items that are not donated can be bought.

“We will be selling ballots for the community to purchase so they can vote for Best In Show at the car show during the Watermelon Festival. The Late Great Chevy Club is here every year and they have agreed to let this be another way of raising money. Organizations including Hero's Haven, Hogs Heroes Foundation, local VFWs and American Legions have volunteered to help with funds or volunteer time or even both,” Wright said.

The festival will also feature live music by Barren Creek, Little Miss Watermelon Princess Contest, watermelon seed spit and eating contests, watermelon bowling, fire truck rides, face painting, crafts for children and games.

Watermelon slices will be free and there will also be corn on the cob, ice cream, barbecued chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, snow cons and fresh-squeezed lemonade available.