Although stormy weather attacked the 32nd annual Sunflower River Blues and Gospel Festival weekend, the show most definitely went on with vibrant music from Thursday night’s acoustic excellence to Saturday’s dynamic vibes from Terry’ Big T’ Williams and Anthony Sherrod and Sunday’s inspiritaional gospel tributes, says chairman Melvita Tillis Presley.

She calls it ‘a howling success.’

The late Anthony Saffold and his family were honored on the main stage Saturday night with the presentation of the festival’s highest honor: the Early Wright Heritage Award.

“We thank everyone for the festival’s tremendous success: the vast number of volunteers and supporters, visitors who traveled great distances from Italy to Japan; local officials including Mayor Chuck Espy, Clarksdale Public Utilities for coming to our rescue, and our local community of blues and gospel fans,” contines Presley.

Kicking off Thursday night’s acoustic program beneath the VIP Tent is Clarksdale guitarist Gramm Phillips.

Maie Smith, Sunflower Festival booking chairman (in red shirt and cap), honors the late Anthony Saffold and his extended family with the presentation of the festival’s highest honor: the Early Wright Blues Heritage Award on the main stage Saturday night.

Headliner Anthony Sherrod closes the Saturday night stage with a dynamic finale.