Dig it!

Published 4:45 am Sunday, September 3, 2017

For the twenty-first, time, it’s that time: the 21st annual Cullman County Sweet Tater Festival kicks off today at Smith Lake Park.

The two-day celebration of one of Cullman County’s signature crops will welcome guests beginning at 9 a.m. Sunday, with tons of arts and crafts vendors, food trucks galore, group participation events and contests, and — of course — creative ways to honor the sweet potato and put the versatile food to delicious use.

The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today, and reloads for a 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. closeout on Monday. Admission is $5.

Donated and grown locally by Cullman area farmers, sweet potatoes will be available by the bag, and all kinds of prepared sweet potato snacks — from sweet potato pie to sweet potato fries — will be on sale from food vendors.

For those visiting Smith Lake Park for the first time, the county park features accommodations with electrical hook-ups for campers as well as pavilions, cabins, boat ramps, swimming pool, miniature golf and canoe rentals.

The festival will feature a full schedule of live music on both days, and will host the Cruze Fest & Swamp Meet on Monday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost to enter the car show is $15, with a 50/50 drawing and $1,000 first prize. Vehicles must register Monday between 7-11 a.m. Call David Speegle at 256-385-1401 for more information.

For more information about the overall Sweet Tater festival, call 256-739-2916 or go online to cullmancountyparks.com.

Fairview Labor Day Celebration

On Monday, the Lions Club will host a day-long Labor Day celebration at the Fairview Community Park on Wesley Avenue. Drop by to check out the parade at 11 a.m., an assortment of kids’ activities and games, and a car show (registration for the car show opens at 7 a.m.)

Cullman Regional will provide health screenings and will also have its Blood-mobile on site. The U.S. Army will also have a booth at the festival. All proceeds go to fund Lions Club projects. For more information, contact Kita Chambers at 256-385-8805.

SUNDAY

Ryan Sobb at 9:30 a.m.

Taylor Hunnicut and Daniel Raine at 10:45 a.m.

Pepsi Chugging Contest at 12 p.m.

Frazier Band at 12:30 p.m.

Clog Wild Cloggers at 2:30 p.m.

Golf Cart Parade at 3:30 p.m.

Winston Ramble at 4 p.m.

MONDAY

Terry Adams at 9:30 a.m.

Chimney Branch at 11 a.m.

Pie Eating Contest at 12 p.m.

Taylor Hunnicut and Company at 12:30