Clarksdale smiled as they played the blues this past weekend.
With COVID shivers once again running through the community and nation, Clarksdale fielded a slate of 34 musicians playing more than 28-hours of blues music over four days.
Rain hit both Friday and Saturday afternoon, but those attending -- in true blues fashion -- shrugged it off and were thankful for the cool weather that followed.
Crowds were modest with groups from Dallas, Iowa and Okolahoma making the drive and enjoying a taste of Clarksdale.
For Janet and Thomas Holden, of Iowa, it was their eighth trip. And this year they brought along seven others from the Midwest and Okolahoma.
“After the first year we went home and got some friends to come with us the next year,” said Janet. “This year their are nine of us. We always have a great time.
“The music is always good. Blues lovers know every person who stepped on that stage this year.”
Festival organizers pushed local talent this year in an effort to make up for the dent COVID made in the entertainment industry.
Thursday started with greens, grits and barbecue in the VIP tent and was followed by an evening of music downtown on Friday and a full day of blues on Saturday.
The 33rd Annual Sunflower Festival ended Sunday with a full house at the Gospel Festival at the City Auditorium.
