By Rose Krzton-Presson
Murray, KY – Today, the first Monday of April, is known as Tater Day to residents of Marshall County, Kentucky. It wraps up four-day festivities that include a car show, a beauty pageant, and a carnival. However, Tater Day coordinator Patricia McWane says it originated 168 years ago when area farmers congregated at the Benton courthouse to do some trading for the spring season.
"The farmers used to come to town to bring their potatoes or get their potato slips in order to plant potatoes, to trade mules, trade knives, swap dogs "
The festivities have grown since then and McWane says that the traditions that were popular a century ago have all but faded from what can be seen today.
"We do have one car dealership here in town that gives away sweet potatoes on Tater Day Weekend, but we don't see too many taters anymore."
One of Tater Day's most popular events - the parade - begins this morning at 11 in downtown Benton on 5th street with County Executive Judge Mike Miller serving as this year's Tater Day Grand Marshall.