Potatoes, potatoes, potatoes! You'll see a lot of and hear a lot about them if you're headed to Savannah this weekend.

The 13th edition of Potato Fest kicks off at noon on Friday, and visitors can expect tons of spuds courtesy of nearby Jackson Farms.

But, as longtime organizer John Spellman describes, there will be plenty for the family to do on more than seven acres just west of the Savannah hamlet.

“If you're a family oriented person, you need to come to Potato Fest,” Spellman said. “Everything is geared toward children and family.”

A set of four tents dubbed the “Kids' Walk” will feature magic shows, games, a circus and other performances and activities throughout the days.

Playland Amusements will supply rides and a food court will boast more than a dozen potato-friendly vendors.

“Also we've got along with that a huge flea market,” Spellman said.

Things will get started at about noon on Friday, which is Senior Day. Saturday highlights include a 10 a.m. parade as well as the antique tractor pull and all-terrain vehicle mud bog beginning at noon.

A popular three-dimensional fireworks display will cap things off Saturday night around 8:30.

On Sunday, fire companies from across the area will compete in a water ball contest following an all-you-can eat breakfast that runs from 7:30 to 11 a.m.

Firefighters will attempt to push a ball suspended 30 feet in the air to their competitor's side with water.

The sounds of bluegrass music will resonate throughout the grounds all weekend. The Elvis Revue will be the final musical performance Sunday.

“Elvis lives on Sunday in Savannah, they're really good,” Spellman said.

Revived in 1995 from a tradition that ended in the late 1940s, the fest has grown from a few-hundred-dollar budget and 800 people to more than $20,000 and 5,000 through the gates.

“We're expecting a monster crowd this year because the last two years we've had inclement weather,” Spellman said.

After working as an organizer for the past 12 years, Spellman said the fest and its success comes from the immediate community, much of which will be around this weekend.

“Everybody's got a job and the community comes together,” he said.

Staff writer Shane Liebler can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or shane.liebler@lee.net

If you go

What: Potato Fest 2007

Where: Potato Fest Field, Route 31, just west of Savannah

When: Noon to 9 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday; 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday

Cost: $2 for adults, free for children younger than 16

For details: Call 365-3156 or visit http://potatofest.tripod.com