Fun for the entire family, the Ham & Yam Festival honors Smithfield’s agricultural history.  With a barbecue cook-off, “What’s That Yam Thing?” contest, and food vendors, both ham and yams abound.  Visitors wander through the festival area filled with hundreds of booths occupied by face painters, local non-profit organizations, and vendors selling items including garden flags, handbags, kitchen tools, handmade jewelry and many other arts and crafts.  The family event keeps crowds entertained with performances on three stages, children’s games, carnival rides, pig races, and a petting zoo.

Now in its 28th year, the Smithfield Ham & Yam Festival will host free concerts at 8:30 p.m. on Friday, May 4 and Saturday, May 5. ·Legendary southern rock band, Molly Hatchet, will take the stage on Friday and The Lost Trailers will perform on Saturday. ·Craft vendors will take to the streets on Saturday, May 5, along with entertainment on two stages and fun activities for the entire family.

Schedule

Tuesday, May 1

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.                   Kiwanis Ham & Yam Supper

Friday, May 4

3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.                   What's That Yam Thing? Entries Accepted
6:30 p.m.                                     Barbecue Cook-Off Chief Cook's Meeting
8:30 p.m.                                     Free Molly Hatchet Concert at the Stevens Sausage Pavilion
11:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.               Vendor Check-in and Set-up

Saturday, May 5

5:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.                   Vendor Check-in and Set-up
7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.                    Methodist Men's Breakfast
8:00 a.m.                                     Barbecue Cook-Off Judging (On-Site Culinary, Blind Taste Culinary)
8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.                   What's That Yam Thing? Entries Accepted
9:00 a.m.                                     2012 Ham & Yam Festival Begins
11:00 a.m.                                   What's That Yam Thing? Winners Announced and Prizes Awarded
11:00 a.m.                                   Barbecue Cook-Off Judging (Showmanship)
2:30 p.m.                                     Barbecue Cook-Off Winners Announced and Prizes Awarded
5:00 p.m.                                     Festival Closes
8:30 p.m.                                     Free The Lost Trailers Concert at the Stevens Sausage Pavilion