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Although most people may take the good ole potato for granted, it’s another story for Decherd.

The city hosted its second Potato Festival along the streets of the downtown area on Saturday with excellent weather conditions, and the event, which offered free, family-oriented fun, proved to be a big hit.

The festival, sponsored by the Old Town Decherd Merchants Association, is meant to recognize the historical significance the city of Decherd played in the potato industry during the early to mid-1900s. Two large potato houses once operated out of Decherd where potatoes were shipped by railroad to the northern states.

While paying homage to the town’s history, the festival also “seeks to help the community prosper and contribute to the overall well-being of our neighborhood, town and region,” according to a statement from the Merchants Association.

This year, Main Street was blocked off from vehicular traffic so spectators could walk with ease to enjoy food, crafts, music and free children’s activities.

The festival ran from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with the Eye of the Potato Parade beginning at 11 a.m.

Children enjoyed playing on the existing city playground equipment and experiencing free face-painting, a free petting zoo and various inflatable games.

Food trucks were operating during the event with full, but fast-moving, lines. As guests passed through downtown, vendors lined both sides of Main Street selling a variety of goods.

A band also entertained festival-goers who wanted to sit and enjoy live music.

A unique axe-throwing booth, an informative booth by the Decherd Fire Department and a plant swap were also popularly featured at the festival.

A potato-cooking competition was also part of the event.