Lower Richland Sweet Potato Festival is a popular community event held every April in Hopkins Park, located 11 miles southeast of downtown Columbia, South Carolina. The festival features a parade, a sweet potato contest, live music, praise dancers, a step team, mimes, drums, games, a health fair, arts & crafts, food, carnival rides, and much more. The annual celebration attracts about 14,000 attendees.
One of the main highlights of the Lower Richland Sweet Potato Festival is the announcement of the annual sweet potato baking contest winner as well as delicious treats made from South Carolina's signature crop. Visitors can indulge in sweet potato ice cream, sweet potato pies, and other culinary delights.
The Lower Richland Sweet Potato Festival is kicked off with an 11 am parade, featuring the festival’s mascot Sweet Tata, colorful floats, and various community groups. The live music lineup features local artists like The Gospel Redeemers, The Alabama Gurlz. Flossie Boyd Johnson & Favor, Chemistry Band, The Mickens, and Miki Star. The Lower Richland Sweet Potato Festival also raises awareness of health issues, voting registration, as well as provides time for lawmakers to speak with constituents in a relaxed environment. The one-day festival runs from 11 am to 6 pm.
