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SPRINGFIELD, S.C. (AP) -- Some Springfield residents are again coming to the defense of fruitcake this weekend.

The Times and Democrat of Orangeburg reports that samplings and sales at the annual Springfield Defends Fruitcake will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Members of the Springfield Defends Fruitcake Committee say they were tired of people trashing the dessert and wanted to defend the holiday tradition.

The festivities include a fruitcake competition. Judging starts at 11 a.m.

Other things for sale include arts and crafts, soup and cornbread.

The Orangeburg County town is 45 miles south of Columbia.

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