Sweet potato festival returns for 42nd year

Golden celebrates the iconic tuber that shares its name, with the 42nd annual Golden Sweet Potato Festival this week.

The younger pageant entries got things started Tuesday night, and the crowning of royalty shifts to the older set (2nd grade and up) Thursday from 6-10 p.m. in the pavilion.

Community churches come together Wednesday evening for praise and worship at 7 p.m.

Things really get moving on Friday evening as mutton bustin’ for the smaller rodeo-ers starts at 5 p.m. in the Pierce Boyd Arena.

Gospel night follows at 7 p.m. under the pavilion.

Saturday sees an early start with the annual 5K fun run at 7 a.m. beginning in front of the Methodist church.

The parade at 10 a.m. signals the official start of the festivities followed in short order by the tractor pull and the classic car show at 11.

The opening ceremony under the pavilion begins at 11 a.m. and includes a variety of music and performances, car show awards, appearance by Miss Texas and crowning of Miss Sweet Potato.

The auction gets underway at noon featuring sweet potatoes, local crafts and so much more.

The Todd Brewer Band caps the weekend with a 6 p.m. concert.

Vendors will be set up around the festival grounds, and of course boxes of sweet potatoes will be for sale.

Saturday’s lineup includes Alba-Golden ISD band and cheerleaders, music from the students of Espinoza Music Academy, dance group from Winnsboro, music from Swoape, Gent Mountain Grass Burs, music by Manifest and dance teams from Dance Dimensions.