OAK GROVE — The Inaugural North Louisiana Sweet Potato Festival, presented by the West Carroll Chamber of Commerce is set to take place next weekend March 31-April 2 in Oak Grove, La.

 The event kicks off Thursday night March 31 at 6 p.m. with Miller Spectacular Shows lighting up Downtown Oak Grove with one of the finest carnivals to grace the Court House Square.  The carnival will repeat Friday from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. and then run from 10 a.m. until on Saturday.

Approximately 30 Arts/Crafts and food vendors from all across the state will open on the Courthouse Square and down Main Street Friday from 10 a.m. until five, repeating Saturday, along with specials at all the downtown merchants through out the day and Bluegrass Jamming at the Downtown Courtyard from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

At 7 p.m. on Friday night one of North Louisiana’s finest Southern Rock Bands, the Cadillac Kings, from Monroe will take to the stage next to the Little Freezer in a free Street Dance/Concert.

Saturday to compliment the Carnival and Arts and Crafts Show the West Monroe Antique Car Club will be hosting a free Antique Car Show on the parking lot of the First Church of God from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Also on Saturday there will be a Sweet Potato Cooking Contest at 10:30 (Contact Dianne Sowell, 318-428-2926 or Ruth Horton, 318-282-1492 for more information) where cash prizes will be awarded, Ronald McDonald will also perform at the Courtyard at 1 p.m.

On the grounds of the Lingo Center The Rusty Tractor Club will host an Antique Tractor Pull from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.

The day full of events wraps up at 3 p.m. with one of the largest parades to travel Main Street Oak Grove in years.  The Sweet Potato Parade will feature over 15 floats, 30 antique cars and tractors, two marching bands, Ronald McDonald and much more.

For more information about the festival visit westcarrollchamber.com or call Festival Chairman Doug Ainsworth at 318-428-4683.