Don’t miss out on the National Peanut Festival— Nov. 5-14

National Peanut Festival
Have some high-flying fun at these fair rides. Photo via National Peanut Festival

Welcome to an annual event full of amusement rides, live music, family fun and all the peanuts you could dream of. This is the National Peanut Festival in Dothan, happening Nov. 5-14, and we’re here to let you in on all the details for this can’t miss event. So, let’s get cracking and discover all the fun things going on at the largest peanut festival in the country.

Details to Know

Peanuts
Peanuts for everyone! Photo via National Peanut Festival

The National Peanut Festival is a ten-day event with a full schedule of different activities happening each day. You can experience things like their demolition derby, sheep show, parade and live music from a variety of artists.

History of the Festival

National Peanut Festival
There’s a long history behind this festival. Photo via National Peanut Festival

This festival was created to honor local peanut farmers and celebrate the peanut harvesting season. The city of Dothan is the perfect location for this event as it is known as the “Peanut Capital of the World.” While you’re in town, you’ll be surrounded by the majority of all the peanuts grown in the United States—most are grown within a 100-mile radius of Dothan.

The event’s history goes all the way back to November 10, 1938 when the first peanut festival took place. This three-day event included a pageant, parade, historical play and grand ball. It also featured guest speaker and Tuskegee Institute professor, Dr. George Washington Carver. You may have heard of Dr. Carver, as he gained international fame with his development of over 300 products made from the peanut.

The Festival has been in the same spot since 1999 and continues to provide family fun, entertainment and tons of peanuts to all.

Things to Do

Fair
Have fun duringt the fair at the National Peanut Festival. Photo via National Peanut Festival

Make your way to the entrance of the National Peanut Festival and you’ll spot a giant peanut sculpture towering over you to welcome you to the event. This festival is what I would call a fair on steroids. You’ll get all of the iconic fair attractions such as a Ferris wheel, bumper cars and fast spinning rides along with concerts, pig racing, farm animals, circus performers and more.

Here’s some can’t miss activities for this year’s festival:

  • Try boiled peanuts
  • See the Torres Circus and Thrill Show
  • Watch the Pig Racing
  • See the Demolition Derby
  • See Megamorph the transforming car
  • Ride the Ferris Wheel
  • Experience the Sea Lion Splash Show

Are you going to the 2021 National Peanut Festival? Let us know by tagging us @thebamabuzz.

Miranda Shaffer
Miranda Shaffer
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