It is no criticism to say that Smithfield’s Ham & Yam Festival is, in some ways, less than it was in its beginning.

That is to say, pork producers from Virginia and elsewhere in North Carolina used to get their hams handed to them every year by Johnston County producers. These outsiders eventually concluded that losing was bad marketing, so they stopped coming to Smithfield, and an integral part of the festival was no more.

Still, the annual festival continues to draw huge crowds. That’s partly the nature of a street festival — folks like to eat and shop under sunny skies. But Ham & Yam has adapted since its namesakes — hams and yams — lost their high profile. Most notably, we suppose, the festival has added bigger-name entertainment. Today’s young people might not know Eddie Money or Marshall Tucker, but their parents do, and they fill the Town Commons when these artists perform.

Second, Ham & Yam has added a second day. Early on, the second day was mostly about local cooks competing for the honor of serving up the best barbecued ribs. Now, Day 2 is close to being a full-fledged festival in its own right.

Third, Ham & Yam adds new things to its lineup. Sure, the festival has long had a place for kids to play, but now the many “inflatables” are Destination One for many families. And, sure, a rubber-duck race is kind of corny, but it’s the kind of corn that draws a crowd while raising money for the fight against cancer.

This newspaper has argued from time to time that Smithfield’s spring festival needs a new theme and therefore a new name. In retrospect, maybe we have been wrong. Certainly, people keep coming no matter the name. That’s a testament to the organizers. Kudos to them.