As some of you may or may not know, Dothan, Alabama is known as the "Peanut Capitol." Thus, every fall, when the peanuts are harvested, they hold the National Peanut Festival--the equivalent of anywhere else's county fair. However, the peanut festival comes complete with roughly one bzillion Miss Whatever's, Jr. Miss Whatever's, Little Miss Whatever's, Future Little Miss Whatever's, and (Parrish's brain-child: Embryonic Little Miss Whatever's). 
No Kidding. Yesterday, we attended our third annual National Peanut Festival Parade- I heard that there were 150+ entries in yesterday's parade- comprised of Harley's, marching bands, and Pageant floats- that's about it...no horses, very few old cars, and only an occasional elected official.
However, the highlight of the parade comes very near the beginning when, following the myriad of police cars with sirens blaring, a single cement truck makes its way down the parade route dumping raw peanuts (I say raw because if they aren't green or raw, they are bolled, translation "Boiled") down its chute and onto the center of the road- at which point everyone runs out and gathers 
as many peanuts as you can into a bag, which you then eat during the parade, throwing all shells onto the ground and leaving them there to be blown away during the next hurricane or tornado- whichever comes first. There is never a single piece of candy thrown in this parade- just the peanuts at the beginning. Anyway, it's quite a sight to see, and has become a family tradition for us, just like all Alabamians!
However, the highlight of the parade comes very near the beginning when, following the myriad of police cars with sirens blaring, a single cement truck makes its way down the parade route dumping raw peanuts (I say raw because if they aren't green or raw, they are bolled, translation "Boiled") down its chute and onto the center of the road- at which point everyone runs out and gathers 
as many peanuts as you can into a bag, which you then eat during the parade, throwing all shells onto the ground and leaving them there to be blown away during the next hurricane or tornado- whichever comes first. There is never a single piece of candy thrown in this parade- just the peanuts at the beginning. Anyway, it's quite a sight to see, and has become a family tradition for us, just like all Alabamians!
In past years (2 to be exact) we have followed our parade excursion with a trip to the fairgrounds where in 2005, Madelyn won a blue ribbon when her hog (the one she chose to cheer for) won in the hog races at the fair, and where in 2006, Madelyn and Mommy got their picture taken with the sea lions after their evening performance- one had its face on my shoulder, while the other was resting on Madelyn's head! (sorry- it was a polaroid- cost $10) As you can see, it's an event not to be missed, and filled with unforgettable experiences! 
If you're ever in the mood for some peanuts, fried twinkies, or local Southern culture in the fall, c'mon down and see us!!
If you're ever in the mood for some peanuts, fried twinkies, or local Southern culture in the fall, c'mon down and see us!!
1 comment:
mmm, fried twinkies, I love those things! anyway, you've been tagged, baby. check out my blog for rules and my example... :)
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