National Peanut Festival facts for kids

The National Peanut Festival is a super fun event held every fall in Dothan, Alabama. It's the biggest peanut festival in the United States! This festival celebrates all the hard work of peanut farmers and the exciting harvest season.

What is the National Peanut Festival?

The National Peanut Festival, often called the NPF, is a huge yearly event. It takes place in Dothan, Alabama, which is known as the "Peanut Capital of the World." The festival's main goal is to honor the amazing peanut growers. It also celebrates the time when peanuts are harvested from the fields.

A Look Back: How it Started

The National Peanut Festival first began in 1938. That means it has been a tradition for many, many years! The festival grounds are located on Highway 231 South. This spot is about three miles south of the Ross Clark Circle in Dothan.

What Can You Do There?

The festival is packed with exciting things to do for everyone!

Thrilling Rides and Games

One of the most popular parts is the large midway. Here, you can find lots of fun games to play. There are also many exciting amusement rides that spin, drop, and twist!

Amazing Shows and Music

You can watch cool animal acts that entertain the crowd. There's also an outdoor amphitheater where you can enjoy live music concerts. Famous national recording artists often perform here.

Creative Arts and Crafts

The festival also features beautiful arts and crafts displays. You can see many handmade items. There are also beauty pageants, where contestants show their talents and personalities.

Fun Contests and Food

Visitors can join in different contests. And of course, there's lots of delicious food to try! The festival also has special exhibits for field crops. Farmers can enter their crops to win prizes.

Other Fun Competitions

Besides the main attractions, the National Peanut Festival hosts many other exciting competitions. These include contests for sewing and cake decorating. There are also photography contests. People can even compete to see who has grown the biggest peanut! Other competitions include cooking and art. Every year, thousands of people come to enjoy all the fun.

When the Festival Didn't Happen

There were a few times when the festival did not take place. It was paused between 1942 and 1946. This was because of World War II. In 2020, the festival was also canceled. This happened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, the carnival that usually hosts the festival went to a local mall. They still had some acts and performances there for people to enjoy.

References

• “National Peanut Festival Canceled for 2020” WTVY News Channel.