The 13th Annual Soybean Festival will soon begin, and while several will enjoy the great musical entertainment and activities that intrigue people of all ages, the Soybean Festival offers a lot more.

One of the highlights of the Festival could be considered the Soybean Festival Mayor’s Kickoff Luncheon, which includes good food, as well as featured speakers and Soybean Hall of Fame inductees.

This year’s featured speaker is Scott Hughes. He is the director of governmental affairs for the National Biodiesel Board (NBB). Hughes has worked with NBB since 2002, and has previously served as the state regulatory affairs analyst responsible for tracking regulatory and legislative initiatives impacting biodiesel in the western United States. Hughes has also become a regulatory program director, which has enabled him to take a national focus on proposals impacting biodiesel.

Scott has a broad governmental affairs background, having worked on Capitol Hill, the Missouri legislature and governor’s office, as well as in the California legislature under the speaker pro tem of the House of Representatives.

Other highlights of this luncheon will include the presentation of the “Big Bean” and “Martin Beautiful” awards.

“The soybean festival is a time for the community to come together and have a few days of fun and relax with friends,” said Martin Mayor Randy Brundige. “Planning for the festival begins in February and goes through August. This takes time and effort of the many volunteers. The sponsors are a huge part of the festival. Without them we could not put on the great event we have planned.”

This year’s Kickoff Luncheon will take place on Sept. 5 at 11:30 a.m. in the UC. It is sponsored by Leland Powell and Sodexho Food Services. Luncheon tickets are $12 each, and can be purchased by Aug. 30 at Martin City Hall, at 731-587-3126; or at C.E. Weldon Public Library in Martin at 731-587-3148. For festival information, call 731-588-2507.

Anyone who wishes to attend the luncheon can do so after purchasing a ticket. It is not an invitation-only event, so the more the merrier.

The 13th Annual Soybean Festival looks as if it will be one of the best and promises to provide all of its visitors with an enjoyable variety of events.

Have fun at this year’s festival, but remember to be safe so that you can enjoy next year’s.

For more information about the festival and a complete schedule, visit their website at www.tnsoybeanfestival.org.