April 5 – Tater Day in Benton KY
On the first Monday of April, the streets of Benton fill with thousands of people, all who have come to the annual celebration of the sweet potato.
And this year is no different!
While Tater Day is technically only one day, the festivities have grown to include the prior week and weekend leading up to the actual day of the parade. The parade itself starts at 12:00 (noon) on Monday, April 5, and many of the roads will be closed to traffic, so make sure you're where you need to be going at least 2-3 hours prior to the parade starting.
Tradition claims that Tater Day was established in 1842, the year Marshall County was founded. Local people took this day to come to Benton from way out in the county and transact their business. Many traded for their needs. One of the main items traded was sweet potatoes, hence 'Tater Day.' This is the only celebration in the US that is named after the sweet potato.
Tater Day seems to grow larger each year. Starting the weekend before is the Annual Tater Day Beauty Pageant. The lucky winner is usually a Marshall Co High School student that gets to open the festivities. "She even gets to ride in the parade on Monday."
From Friday on there is something as cool as a stock car race to barrel racing going on in the grandstands that are in the park Horse races, pony pulling contests, and a Four-Wheel Drive Drag Race have been added to the popular horse show. There is also junior ms. tater that is allowed for little girls ages 5 to 12. There is also a little Mr. Tater Day.
Carnival rides and games is also a big tradition for Tater Day. The loop d loop to the haunted house you see kids and adults smiling.
The 3 mile stretch along the route is dominated by food venders and flea marketers. One mans junk may be another mans treasure. There is a baking and a food canning competitions. There is also a BBQ cook off. A band concert on the court square that features blue grass.
Oh how could you miss all the high school students whipping around the old court square in their trucks and cars with their red blue and white rebel flags waving in the air. They circle the 3 mile stretch and do it again.
On Monday the biggest part of the festival there is a Parade featuring lots of antique cars, buggies, vintage farm equipment and people wearing old style clothing, Political floats, MCHS marching band, Ms. Tater Day, and horses. And more horses, there has been over 100 horses in this parade.
In the `80s when the NAACP was rumored to march in the Benton Parade, many residents of the all white southern county (Marshall) arrived bearing arms. In the last few years the Army has refused to march in it because of the large number of confederate flags displayed in the town.
Tater day is still a trade day, as dogs, knives, farm tools, horses, junk, and even some potatoes can be found but it is also a time to come back home and visit with friends while you have fun. Tater Day continues to grow and all of Marshall County welcomes it. Each year new activities are added until just a day isn't enough time but a weekend is needed. The local County schools passed a resolution to dismiss the school for the occasion. The local clerks office as well as the Judicial building closes its doors for the first Monday of each April.
For more information please call 270-527-7665 or email info@marshallcounty.net
Went to Tater Day this past year. I could not find one sweet potato. Might be a hit if a vendor was to sell them.