It is time once again for the Wesson Lions Club sweet potato fundraiser.

For the ninth consecutive year, “the world’s best sweet potatoes” — grown by Landreth Farms in Vardaman, the “Sweet Potato Capital of the World” — are for sale to raise funds for the local and international charities supported by Wesson Lions Club.

Club members have begun selling and will continue until the supply runs out. Long-time customers are being contacted by members, and orders will be taken by calling Alton Ricks at 601-643-2466 or Hubert Greer at 601-543-2002. If boxes are still available, they will be for sale at the Wesson Flea Market Oct. 21.

More than 400 boxes are for sale at $20 per box for 40 pounds, or 50 cents per pound. Area restaurants can also purchase the produce.

Landreth Farms officials say it is the loamy soil and timely early rains that make their potato crop sweet and special. Of the 18,400 acres of sweet potatoes grown in Mississippi, Landreth plants 600 acres. Their potatoes are sold at Kroger and Walmart, and to canners such as Gerber.

The annual sweet potato sale is among three major fundraising activities of the Wesson Lions Club.  The Club also has an annual spring pancake breakfast and sells boiled peanuts at Copiah-Lincoln Community College athletic events. It disburses approximately $10,000 every year to assist deaf and blind persons through the International Lions Club, and to support local organizations and causes related to community improvement, children and youth, veterans, hospice care and address other issues and concerns.