Annual Potato Festival

ANNUAL POTATO FESTIVAL KICKS OFF DEKALB COUNTY’S

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

Fort Payne, Ala. – With its roots in potato farming, the town of Henagar each year pays tribute to its heritage with a free festival, kicking off an explosion of Independence Day celebrations throughout DeKalb County. Set for July 3, the 28th annual Sand Mountain Potato Festival offers a car and motorcycle show, pony rides, arts and crafts fair, parade, horseshoe tournament, live entertainment, and children’s games and inflatables along with a variety of potato entrees and side dishes. The free event culminates with a spectacular fireworks display.

The festivities begin with a parade at 10 a.m. Continuous live music runs all day from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Headlining this year’s event is Stan Nelson and Hurricane Creek Band.

Registration for the Car/Truck/Tractor/Motorcycle Show hosted by The Wheels of Time Cruisers is from 8 a.m. to noon. Awards for Best of Show and Top 10 in each class and door prizes take place at 3 p.m. Registration is $20 per vehicle.

Along with traditional festival food, a variety of potato entrees and side dishes is offered including baked potatoes, French fries, tator twirls, chili cheese fries and much more.

All activities are held in Henagar Park located on Alabama Highway 75. While admission is free, a small fee is charged to participate in some of the children’s games and activities and parking is $2 per vehicle.

Additional Independence Day activities in DeKalb County include a free celebration at the Fort Payne High School football stadium on July 2 beginning at dusk. Free hot dogs, soft drinks, American flags, live entertainment and fireworks are on the agenda.

On July 3, DeSoto State Park offers its annual 4th of July celebration with a parade, homemade ice cream social, and a flag making contest.

The oldest hotel in the state of Alabama serves fresh shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes in celebration of our nation’s independence. The annual “Fourth of July Low Country Boil” will be served on the porch of the Mentone Springs Hotel July 4 at 6 p.m. Seating is limited and reservations are required. An Invitational Art Show featuring artists from the area and throughout the Southeast is also set for July 3th and 4th, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Tall Meadow Rue Chapel, just one block south of the Mentone Springs Hotel.

For more information on the Sand Mountain Potato Festival and other upcoming Independence Day celebrations, contact the DeKalb County Tourist Association at 888.805.4740 or visit www.DiscoverLookoutMountain.com.

About the DeKalb County Tourist Association

The DeKalb County Tourist Association is a not-for-profit organization promoting tourism and economic growth in DeKalb County. Our mission includes to provide outstanding customer service to all guests; to provide complete and detailed information about DeKalb County, its history and attractions; to leave visitors with a positive experience; to develop strong positive long term relationships with the people and businesses of our communities; and to be a leader in the education and promotion of our county, locally, nationwide and internationally.