The 2024 Baldwin County Sweet Potato Contest brought together creativity, community and local produce in a flavorful celebration on Tuesday, Sept. 17, at the Baldwin County Farmers Federation Building in Robertsdale.

Hosted and sponsored by the Baldwin County Farmers Federation, the annual event showcases the talent of Baldwin County Family and Consumer Science (FACS) and Culinary students, who used sweet potatoes grown locally at Peturis Farms to create impressive recipes.

The contest not only highlights the creativity of students but also highlights the vital role local farmers play in sustaining the community. The partnership between students and farmers serves as a reminder of the stewardship of the land and the importance of locally sourced food.

Hope Cassebaum of the Baldwin County Farmers Federation presented awards to the participants, acknowledging their hard work and ingenuity. Special recognition was also given to Dawn Hopper of the Baldwin County Cattlewomen's Association for organizing and coordinating the event, which ran smoothly thanks to the efforts of the Baldwin County Extension System team — Sarah Butterworth, Charolette Roberts and Cathy Banning.

Tiffany Plato with Career Tech Education was in attendance to support the schools and student organizations like FCCLA and STAR Events. FACS and Culinary teachers were praised for their daily mentorship and guidance, while parents and families were thanked for their ongoing support of students both inside and outside the classroom. Peturis Farms, the supplier of the sweet potatoes used in the contest, was also acknowledged for their contribution, which laid the foundation for the students' culinary creations.