The Sorghum Showdown that Revived Enthusiasm in the County

It was New Year’s Day in 1948, and although the challenge began at 10 a.m., it was close enough to the traditional setting of a high noon, Old West showdown to settle a certain matter. Former Clarion Editor Roscoe Downs met Cannelton News Editor Lee Huber for a comical contest that took place on a ferry boat in the middle of the Ohio River.

Two paces for each of the editors, and in between the two counties…there it would be decided once and for all which one had the best sorghum molasses. Both of them boasted: “Sorghum Capital of the World”, but which one was accurate?

The display was mainly an attempt by Downs to revive enthusiasm for sorghum-making, and all that goes with it, in the community. The two editors had been writing fictitious rivalry columns back and forth for months before the event was scheduled, a hilarious shenanigan that piqued the interest of newspaper readers, citizens of both counties, and news reporters far and wide.

Judging Factors
The result of the judging was determined by a number of factors including the facial expressions the editors made while dipping their buttered biscuits and cornbread cakes (cornpone) into sorghum, scarfing them down and chasing with sips of hot coffee contained in thermoses.

Downs was even caught on camera pretending to chug the last heavenly, thick drops of syrup straight from the gallon bottle – his way of showing Huber that he wouldn’t be needing the Alka-Seltzer that he was offering him, because Hancock County’s sorghum was superior and did not cause indigestion!

This hilarious event drew crowds from all over, despite the cold and eventual rain that brought it to a close quickly.

The Results
The announcement made after judges F.I. Beauchamp, Bryce B. Jett, Earl Snyder, L.C. Becker, and others taste-tested each county’s sorghum was: “Hancock County, Kentucky produces the best sorghum of any county or state south of the Mason and Dixon Line, and Perry County, Indiana produces the best sorghum of any county or state north of the Mason and Dixon Line. We declare these counties to be the joint champions in sorghum growing and making in the entire world.”

This grandiose judgement making both counties the winner, not just in the U.S. but in the ‘entire world’, made the whole day into even more of a riotous comedy, due to the fact that the Mason-Dixon Line separates four U.S. states, and none of them are KY or IN. The 4 are: Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and West Virginia, as well as part of Virginia, until 1863.

Sorghum Festivals
Fast forward to a little over 20 years ago, and then Hancock County Judge-Executive Jack McCaslin set out to re-invigorate citizen enthusiasm yet again for sorghum festivities, after another lull in interest had occurred. McCaslin had noted the amount of tourism Perry County was generating from their sorghum festival, and set out to create agritourism in Hancock through the sorghum festival at the HC Fairgrounds. This was a successful mission, and the annual Sorghum Festival continues to be a very popular fall event for the people of the county and surrounding areas.

Over the years, some sorghum farmers in the county have switched to a power mill, and others have stuck with the old-school horse and mule system of grinding the juice from the cane. Either way, the county’s sorghum festivals have always included demonstrations of the old ways, as well as other activities for the whole family. They have evolved, and are now an excellent outlet for not only local sorghum producers, but also for local crafters and food vendors to provide their offerings, which promotes shopping locally, especially before the Christmas season, as well as generating tourism and raising money for various community projects.

In 2013, Independence Bank President at the time, Rick Embry and the staff at Hawesville and Lewisport challenged each market to do something impactful in the community. The Hancock County Independence Bank team decided to bring life back into the sorghum festival, with a goal of showcasing the county and the heritage here, as well as providing a place for local craft and food vendors to share their talents and offerings.

This unique festival has grown tremendously over the years. Independence Bank puts this entire free, family-friendly event on with the help of the Hancock County Fair Board, and generous local business sponsors.

2024 Sorghum Festival
The 2024 Sorghum Festival is happening this Saturday, October 26th, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the Hancock County Fairgrounds, and there is no admission fee. All are encouraged to donate non-perishable items that will benefit Hancock County Schools Backpack Food Program.

There will be many local food trucks, craft vendors, on-site sorghum making with Brody Cox and crew, a pony pull, antique tractors, quilt show, Hancock County High School Choir performance, inflatables for the children, local art, live music, tractor show, and more! FREE biscuits and sorghum will be available to enjoy ALL DAY!

Tractor Show & Quilt Show
The Tractor Show and Quilt Show will be held in the 4-H Building, along with a variety of vendor booths, and all will be open to the public, starting at 10 a.m.

HCHS Choir Performance
The HCHS Choir will be performing at the Front Pavilion, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Pony Pull
The Sorghum Fest Pony Pull will be held at the Horse Arena, and starts at 11:00 a.m. This fun event to watch always draws a large crowd each year. It is led by Steve Brown, who gets the pony pulling teams here from all over this part of the country.

Music
Sweetwater Band will be entertaining again this year from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the Front Pavilion.

Children’s Games & Inflatables
The inflatables will be open starting at 10:00 a.m., and the children’s games will begin at 1:00 p.m., with prizes to be given!

Tractor Parade
The Tractor Parade is from 2:00 to 2:30 p.m., and awards will be given!

Dance Performance
The Tell City dance studio Dance Haven Performance will be held in the Front Pavilion, from 2:30 to 3:00 p.m.

Children’s Costume Contest
The Children’s Costume Contest is happening at the Front Pavilion, from 3:30 to 4:00 p.m., and prizes will be given!

Sorghum Cooking Display
There will be a Sorghum Cooking Display with Brody Cox and crew making sorghum on-site all day, and delicious local sorghum will be available for purchase. They cut the sorghum, juice it and then cook the juice into sorghum, for everyone attending to see the entire process of sorghum making!

Food Donations
Non-perishable food items will be accepted at the entrance of the Hancock County Fairgrounds, located at 1430 State Route 1389 in Hawesville, during the 2024 Sorghum Fest, and will benefit the Backpack Food Program for HC Schools.

Originally published in the Hancock Clarion
Jennifer Wimmer
October 23, 2024