Despite a handful of different names over the past half-century, the Clarkton Farm Fest still means fun for many local residents.

The 55th annual N.C. Farm Fest of Clarkton kicks off Saturday with food, fun, farm products and one of the largest parades in the county. Organizers say the Farm Fest is the oldest festival in Bladen County.

Now known as the N.C. Farm Fest of Clarkton, the festival got its start as Bladen County Farmer's Day in 1948. It later became the N.C. Tobacco Festival, and then the Fall Festival Fun Day of Clarkton in 1997. The event became the Farm Fest in 1999.

Most of Saturday's events will take place behind the School of Discovery on College Street.

Over 100 units are scheduled to participate in the parade Saturday morning, which kicks off at 11 a.m. downtown. Among those participating in the parade are local dignitaries, beauty queens, clowns and high school bands from around the area.

The Farm Fest Fair kicks off at noon behind the Clarkton School of Discovery.

Barbecue plates will be available at the school cafeteria from 12-2 p.m. Plates are $5 each.

Also starting at noon, the Arts and Crafts Fair will give local craftsmen the chance to showcase their wares. The craft fair ends at 3:30 p.m.

A number of carnival-type games and booths will be open for business during the fair as well. Visitors can test their skill at fishing for prizes, tossing a basketball, choosing the lucky duck, and even spinning the Wheel of Fortune.

A variety of entertainment will take the stage behind the school from 1-3:30 p.m.

Serious music fans will be at the Bright Leaf Tobacco warehouse on U.S. 701 Business Saturday night.

National recording artists The Coastline Band-a perennial favorite among beach music fans-perform from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. Tickets are $10 at the door.

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