Joe Edmondson, Ryan Alexander, Walker Wade, Joy Earp and Peggy Whiteside were among the winners at the 2015 Vardaman Sweet Potato Festival Banquet.
First place cooking awards presented at the Annual Sweet Potato Banquet Saturday night went to Marianne Caradine (Low Calorie– Sweet Potato Muffins with Sweet Potato Topping); Lyndsey Wade (Miscellaneous– Glazed Sweet Potato Sweet Potato Pull-Apart Rolls); Deanna Winter (Cakes– Sweet Potato Earthquake Cake); Elijah Winter (Children’s– Sweet Potato Waffles & Cream Cheese); Mary Keyser (Pies– Sweet Potato Crunch Pie); and Peggy Whiteside (Sweet Potato Bread Pudding). Photos by Lisa McNeece
Peggy Whiteside, of Water Valley, was the winner of the Mayor’s Cup for the best sweet potato recipe in the cooking contest. She won for her Salted Caramel Sweet Potato Pecan Pie, recipe at left. She was presented the award by Vardaman Mayor James Casey.
Ryan Alexander of Vardaman won the Outstanding Young Farmer Award. It was presented by Dr. Stephen Myers, of Pontotoc, sweet potato specialist with the MSU Extension Service.
Joe Edmondson, of Vardaman, was presented the Pioneer Award by Sylvia Clark.
Walker Wade was presented the award for the Best Washed and Waxed Bushel of Sweet Potatoes by Dr. Stephen Meyers.
Joy Earp, of Houlka, was presented the Mama Grace award by Sylvia Clark.