YeeHaw! The National Peanut Festival is a highlight in my life every year. I know many will say, it's corny, or there's nothing really special about it, etc., but growing up with it year after year, I usually can't wait for fall to get here because I know what's coming next.
My fondest memories are going with my deddy, and no I spell it the way I pronounce it. Most of my life the festival was at the Houston County Farm Center and that's where most of my memories lie. My deddy has always been in law enforcement and ever since I can remember had a pass to park in the livestock exhibitor's parking, so I have fortunately never had to endure the general parking. Since we could park so close, we would go every night. As I got older, deddy would stay and talk at the livestock barns and I would get to walk around by myself or with friends. Of course, back then you were safe walking around by yourself. I don't think I could do that with my daughter today. One of my favorite events is the greasy pig chase and the calf scramble. Little did I know, I would eventually marry the son of the winner of the first calf scramble in Peanut Festival history.
Eating at the fair was always first and most important. I would plan my rides around my eating. It would be interesting to know how many hours I have stood in line for a corn dog for the Famous Corn Dog Man over the years. Before leaving each night I would get an Elephant Ear. I can remember making a trip to the fair just to get a corn dog and elephant ear and then taking some home to have for breakfast the next morning. Boy those were the days!
Since the National Peanut Festival moved down 231 south and I have finally grown up, I don't go every night. I do look forward to the nights I do go. My family loves the roasted corn, polish sausage, kettle corn, and still my favorites-corn dog and elephant ear. Oh wait! Don't forget the boiled peanuts. I believe my daughter could eat her weight in them. She loves boiled peanuts!
Parade Day is always fun! We get there at least an hour early to put our chairs out and watch the people. My daughter would hardly ride with her PawPaw in the parade because she didn't want to miss any of it, even though he was in the first few people. I haven't missed a parade in 39 years and my daughter has never missed one in her lifetime. It's just tradition and there some traditions you don't break.
The dates of the National Peanut Festival are Friday, October 31-Sunday, November 9. Make plans to attend and enjoy the southern fun. For more info: www.nationalpeanutfestival.com or 793-4323.
Hope to see you there.
Michelle
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