National Peanut Festival: ‘Your passport to fun’

George Jeffcoat, president of the 66th National Peanut Festival, has a challenge for this year’s festival visitors. Find a peanut tree.

Amused? So is Jeffcoat, who has raised crops of peanuts for many years. There is no such thing as a peanut tree, despite some of the continuing comments Jeffcoat and other festival officials have heard down through the years. To debunk that misconception, festival officials have added a Peanut Pavilion to this year’s attractions. Jeffcoat could, perhaps, write a book and title it “Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Peanuts But Were Afraid to Ask.” The answers will be found under this tent.

“We knew George was a big peanut farmer,” said Ealy Brackin as he discussed the new addition during a press conference at the fairgrounds last week to announce this year’s entertainment line-up and a change in the midway. “We have added a Peanut Pavilion that will have kids’ activities. We will also have live peanuts in planters.  Visitors will be able to taste peanut products. It should be a real Kodak moment.”

Through partnerships with area businesses, festival officials have been able to hold the rein on ticket prices. During this difficult economic climate, Jeffcoat says that was important.

“We pick a theme every year,” Jeffcoat said. “I like to travel a lot and use a passport. We want people to use their tickets to come out to the National Peanut Festival.

“There’s word, staycation, being used today. To help, we’ve kept the prices the same as last year. Advance tickets are $6.”

Jeffcoat also noted that the event has not left its early roots.

“The main purpose of the National Peanut Festival is to promote peanuts,” Jeffcoat said. “The city leaders started it to promote peanuts. We are continuing that tradition.

“The National Peanut Festival is part of the community. We are not out to make money, just pay for the expenses while putting on the best festival that we can.”

This year’s festival will open Friday, October 30, at 4 p.m. The ribbon cutting will be held at 5 p.m. Visitors will notice a big change as soon as they enter the main gate. The midway, with all the rides and games traditionally associated with the festival, will be provided by Reithoffer Shows.

“They are considered the biggest and the best in the industry,” said Jason Rudd as he announced the change in midway providers for the 2009 festival.

Rudd also noted the festival is providing several ride specials on the midway this year. Friday, October 30, will be the McDonald’s Ride-A-Thon for $20. Armbands will be on sale until 10 p.m. Patrons can ride until the midway closes for the evening.

Sunday, November 1, will be Super Sunday Armband for $18. Tuesday, November 3, is Ten Buck Tuesday Armbands for $10. On Wednesday, Ladies Armbands will go for $10 while Men’s Armbands will be sold for $20.
One major change for this year is the availability of the “Mega Passport.”

“For $25 per person, you can purchase the Mega Passport that is good for the gate admission and an armband,” Rudd said. “It can be used on any day that you want. The only catch is that it has to be purchased in advance.”

The Mega Passport and other advance tickets are available at the NPF office. Other specials are available by visiting the festival’s website, http://www.nationalpeanutfestival.com.

Tony Ellison introduced the entertainment line-up that includes such artists as Gloriana, Chuck Wicks, Shane Owens, Pure and Simple, Lady Antebellum and Jessie James.

“I took a lot of heat from my wife, because we have a lot of pretty women this year,” Ellison said to the amusement of those in attendance. “Lady Antebellum is one of the hottest Country-Western groups out there. They have two current hits.”

Gloriana will open the entertainment line-up at 7:30 p.m. on October 31, followed by Eric Church. Lady Antebellum will be on stage Sunday, November 1. Tuesday, Chuck Wicks, of “Dancin’ with the Stars” fame will perform.

Wednesday’s line-up will have The Springs from Enterprise opening for Shane Owens.

“We’ve had a lot of requests for Shane Owens,” Ellison added.

Thursday features Pure and Simple Bluegrass. Friday’s show opens with Honor Society followed by Jessie James.

All shows will take place in the Amphitheater.

For a complete schedule of events, visit http://www.nationalpeanutfestival.com.