The Plains Peanut Festival on Sept 28 was well attended. Prior to the parade, Plains, Trains, and Bike Chains, a cycling event held along with the Peanut Festival, found several participants. Cyclist Paul Blanchard told of training for weeks to make the 15-mile ride from Americus to Plains. He described the experience that day. “It wasn’t bad. Nice and comfortable. Weather was perfect.”

Author and teacher Kelly Young-Silverman sold copies of her book Hot Boiled Peanuts, which tells a story about a young girl trying peanuts in Plains for the first time. “This is the story of a little girl who goes to visit her grandfolks in Plains Georgia, and discovers hot boiled peanuts for the very first time, and she thinks this is the greatest food ever.” She tells how the story unfolds as her grandparents introduce her to various foods in Georgia.

The parade started around 11 am. Tyron Spearman announced those participating in the Plains Peanut Festival, welcoming everyone to the 27th annual Peanut Festival on behalf of the Friends of Jimmy Carter.

Several notable appearances in the parade included the Grand Marshal for the parade, former Mayor of Plains, Boze Godwin. An Army marching band from Fort Moore followed. Singer Reed Elliotte appeared on a float dressed in a stars and stripes suit. The current Mayor of Plains, Joey Recker, also road in the parade, along with the City Council.

Freddie the Firetruck made an appearance, along with Engine 81, both representing Sumter County Fire and Rescue.