Sweet potatoes, your days of hiding safely away in the cool, comfortable Cullman County ground are numbered. In less than three short weeks, Smith Lake Park will set the stage for the annual return of the 28th Sweet Tater Festival, the spotlight moment for one of the area’s signature veggies to shine.

A celebrated example of Alabama agriculture (not to mention the state’s often offbeat local human culture), the Sweet Tater Festival is set to unfold over two days on Labor Day weekend. Day one will kick off at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 1, followed by a 9 a.m. start on Monday, Sept. 2 (Labor Day). Gates close to day-pass park guests at 6 p.m. on Sept. 1, and again at 3 p.m. as the festival concludes on Sept. 2.

As always, Smith Lake Park will become a hub of ‘tater-related activity for the festival, which features live music, food vendors, arts and crafts, a car show, and (naturally) tons and tons of sweet potatoes. Admission to the event is a flat $5 per guest, securing an armband that covers admission for both days.

If you want to be a vendor at this year’s festival, act fast: Vendor applications must be submitted by Aug. 18, and a phone call to the park at 256-739-2916 can quickly start the process. Visit the event’s Facebook page (search “Sweet Tater Festival”) for more information, including scheduling news and a lineup of the weekend’s packed slate of contests and entertainment acts.