ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. — The North Carolina Potato Festival, which celebrates one of the largest crops in Elizabeth City, returns this weekend.
"It's a celebration of our heritage," Deborah Malenfant, an organizer for the event, told 13News Now.
From May 17 to 19, potato lovers can get their spud fix in Mariners' Wharf Park.
Along with endless potato-related snacks, the festival will feature a beer & wine garden, rides, and shopping at various vendors.
"Enjoy a midway with 'spudtacular' rides and games, a street fair with a variety of vendors and delicious food, live music on the main stage, potato-oriented activities, a farm and tractor show, a cornhole tournament, an auto and bike show, free french fries, and bushels of FUN for the whole family!" the website reads.
Plus, festival-goers can enter the National Potato Peeling Contest where they will be judged on not only how fast they can peel but also how well. The winner will be able to choose a nonprofit to receive $250.
"We peel about 400 pounds of potatoes during the contest, and then we serve 2,000 pounds of free french fries on Saturday," said Malefant.
Organizers welcome individuals of all ages to the free three-day event.
For more details on the beloved festival, visit the North Carolina Potato Festival website.
Watch the full interview in the video player above.