By Carley Tucker
Every October, the small East Texas community of Golden gets a little busier. Neighbors gather, families return for a visit, and volunteers put the finishing touches on an event that has become a favorite fall tradition in Wood County.
The Golden Sweet Potato Festival returns October 20-24 with five days of activities that include pageants, a parade, live music, a baking contest, a tractor pull, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy some good old-fashioned small-town hospitality.
Visitors will find plenty to do throughout the week, but for the people of Golden, the festival means something more.
“There’s something truly special about a small community like Golden and the way everyone comes together to make this event what it is,” said festival board president Chelsea Oliver. “It’s something you really have to experience to fully appreciate.”
A Tradition Worth Keeping
The festival has been part of Golden’s identity for generations, bringing together residents, former residents, and visitors from across East Texas.
For longtime community member Jacquelyn Sadler Owens, one favorite festival memory goes back about 20 years, when neighbors joined forces to build a giant papier-mâché sweet potato on a flatbed trailer.
Her grandchildren, Jack, Ford, and Sofia Tannebaum, rode on the float in the parade. Owens remembers how much fun everyone had working together to build it and still considers Golden’s parade one of the best in Wood County.
Morgan Ragan, now in her second year serving on the festival board, said volunteering was a natural way to give back to a community she loves.
“I wanted to volunteer because I love being part of a community that comes together to support one another,” Ragan said. “It’s a great way to give back, meet new people, and help keep our small-town traditions alive.”
And part of the fun, she added, is the unexpected. “The thing about the GSPF, you never know what you’re going to see,” Ragan said.
Five Days of Festival Fun
The festivities begin Tuesday, October 20 with the Little Miss Golden Sweet Potato Pageant at 6:00 p.m. This year’s theme, “The Farmer in the Dell,” invites young contestants to dress in farm and barnyard attire.
Wednesday brings a community church service at 7:00 p.m., followed Thursday by the Golden Sweet Potato Festival Pageant at 6:00 p.m. The older contestants will celebrate America’s 250th birthday with an “American Honey” theme featuring patriotic attire.
Friday’s activities include the Alba-Golden FFA Floral Cup, where students put their floral design skills to the test, and a baking contest featuring sweet potatoes in everything from pies and cakes to breads, casseroles, and savory dishes.
Youngsters ages 4-7 can try their hand at “mutton bustin’” on Friday evening, with registration beginning at 5:00 p.m. and the event at 6:00 p.m. Gospel Night follows at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 24 is the festival’s biggest day. Early risers can start with the Golden Sweet Potato 5K at 7:30 a.m., followed by the festival parade at 10:00 a.m. The classic car show runs from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., featuring vehicles from 1988 and earlier.
Antique tractors take center stage with a tractor pull beginning at 11:00 a.m. Vendors, food, and live entertainment add to the day’s activities.
At noon, the community gathers for the festival auction, one of Ragan’s favorite events. “I love seeing everyone gather under the pavilion, getting excited over the different items, and having a little friendly competition while supporting our community,” Ragan said.
This year also brings a new event that’s sure to get a few laughs.
The Mrs. Rotten Tater Pageant, open to women ages 60 and older, will take place Saturday following the auction. Contestants can register at the pavilion by noon, with awards for best dressed, Miss Personality, and Mrs. Rotten Tater.
Oliver said the event was added by popular demand and is intended to give participants a chance to dress up, show off their personalities, and enjoy themselves.
The festival wraps up Saturday evening with a 7:00 p.m. concert by Line 5.
More Than a Festival
While the activities draw visitors to Golden, the festival’s impact continues long after the last vendor packs up.
Proceeds support projects and needs throughout the community, including scholarships, assistance for families facing unexpected hardships, and contributions to other local organizations.
Visitors to this year’s festival will also get a look at the new playground near the Harold Simmons Community Center. Construction began earlier this summer, and the first phase is already open for children to enjoy. Additional work is planned, including the return of some original playground equipment.
Oliver said the project is nearing completion thanks to the generosity of festival supporters. “We still have a few finishing touches to come, but it’s been wonderful to see this project come together for the children and families in our community,” Oliver said.
The playground is only one example of how festival proceeds benefit Golden. Oliver emphasized that the board doesn’t set a specific fundraising target because every contribution helps meet a need.
A seven-member board organizes the festival, but volunteers throughout the community make the event possible. From planning activities and preparing facilities to helping during festival week, there’s plenty of work to go around.
For a community the size of Golden, that willingness to pitch in makes all the difference.
Come and Spend Some Time in Golden
Golden may be a small spot on the map, but its residents know how to put on a festival. Whether you come for the parade, the food, the auction, or just to see what all the fuss is about, there’s plenty to keep you busy.
And don’t be surprised if you run into somebody you know. That’s usually how things go in Golden.
The Golden Sweet Potato Festival takes place October 20-24 at the festival grounds, 5921 FM 779 in Golden, Texas, near Alba.
For a complete schedule, registration information, and event details, visit the official event website.