Yam Fest is off to a sweet start for students

Jake Fonvielle, above, was among the downtown merchants giving area students a sweet start to this year’s North Carolina Yam Festival at Tabor City Friday morning. (Deuce Niven photos)

By DEUCE NIVEN

    Hurricane Matthew changed lives with its visit two weeks ago, but folks in Columbus, Horry and surrounding counties carry on in the face of all types of adversity.
    This year’s North Carolina Yam Festival at Tabor City enjoys its biggest day tomorrow, but students from Tabor City Elementary School and some area daycare got the celebration off early, touring art and photography entries and winners at Tabor City Baptist Church and visiting downtown merchants, who had some seasonal candy to make the occasion especially sweet.
    A parade at 10 a.m. Saturday kicks off the celebration that will include activities for everyone, including some 20 bands in the Stallion Classic Band Competition at South Columbus High School, the All-Tabor reunion of Tabor City High School alumni at Tabor City Elementary School, entertainment on the Ritz Plaza stage, food, crafts, and more.
    Youthfest returns to the festival, on the Hickman Road stage in the middle of downtown, capping the festivities from 4 to 7 p.m. Youthfest will also serve as a drop-off point for donations of non-perishable foods, toiletries, and other items going to those who suffered losses from Hurricane Matthew.
    Look for a festival wrap-up in the next Tabor-Loris Tribune in print and online.