For over 40 years, the Lower Richland Sweet Potato Festival has been a yearly tradition in the Hopkins community. The festival doesn’t just draw members of the community though, but people from all over the state, festival-goers from Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, Texas and even Ghana (where the “yam” originated).
What got its start as a small community get together, has now become a major event with thousands in attendance, and something for everyone. This year’s Lower Richland Sweet Potato Festival is Saturday, April 26 at Hopkins Park. Festival-goers can look forward to the popular sweet potato ice cream and the sweet potato pie eating contest, as well as a kids zone, face painting, game truck, live music, food, games and more.
The festival also brings awareness to health issues and will offer free screenings for blood pressure, dental, vision, HIV and hepatitis, glucose testing and more. Attendees will also have the opportunity to speak with local lawmakers and register to vote…