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By Fred Guarino
The Lowndes Signal
The 15th annual Okra Festival with food, arts, crafts and music in Lowndes County’s “Beautiful Burkville” is set for Saturday, Aug. 29 from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. But there are some surprises planned for this year’s event.
Last year, the poster created by renowned Poster Artist Amos Paul Kennedy pronounced, “Go Green! Eat Okra!” There will be original art by Annie Mae, and Kennedy will once again appear in person, according to Okrafestival.org.
However, co-founder Barbara Evans said, “This year, we are welcoming Harland Creek Farms from North Carolina. They will educate us on how to grow okra organically, and will share with us paper made from okra.”
Evans said of the annual festival, “We’re proud that the Okra Festival showcases a small community and brings economic development and good publicity about Lowndes County.”
She said, “This is our 15th year. Nobody can deny that the food vendors are the best around, and we encourage arts and crafts people to come sell their work. We have never charged vendor fees because our vision has always been our community working together, not making money. I try to find something new each year.”
Okrafestival.org reports there will be craftspeople and artists from all over, including Storm Cloud Hills handmade, hand forged copper and brass jewelry. There will be R&B music by Slim and the Soulful Saints and food, including gumbo, fish, barbecue, pig ears, okra dishes, preserves, local produce and Italian ice cream.
Food vendors must live in Lowndes County.
Blackbelt Community Foundation, Annie Mae’s Art Place, the Lowndes County Commission and Lowndes County Citizens United for Action are sponsors of the event.