Four decades of tradition were carried forward last weekend with the annual Golden Sweet Potato Festival.

Following a pageant Thursday, mutton bustin' and gospel music Friday, a full slate of fun from cornhole to corn dogs was welcomed with wonderfully warm, if a bit windy, weather on Saturday.

Sweet potatoes and various treasured items were auctioned by Kelly Conley, raising $38,200, including $5,700 which went directly to the scholarship fund of newly crowned queen Cacie Lennon.

Marvelous music acts included locals Swoape, students from Espinoza Music Academy and Caleb Hamby of Quitman.

A car show was held, with a large portion of its entrants taking a short trek from the parade route to the show.

As things were winding down and folks were clearing out Saturday afternoon, a couple whose curiosity had brought them to town a bit late in the day wondered where all the food vendors had gone. A free sweet potato from the bin by the entrance and a pitch for Golden Grocery for a bite were offered.

They had truly missed something sweet. Perhaps they will return next year.

Lord willing, Golden will.