The Plains Peanut Festival is set to put on its 27th annual event in Plains, Georgia on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.

The yearly festival commemorates the region’s peanut harvest, a vital crop that Georgia leads the entire country in in terms of production, growing nearly half of the U.S. supply, according to a release.

Festivities for the nutty event kick off at 8 a.m. with the Plains 5K and Fun Run, providing options for marathon enthusiasts and casual runners alike.

Following the races is the Peanut Parade at 11:00 a.m., which will be led by iconic legume mascot, Mr. Peanut, along with former Plains Mayor Boze Godwin — who will serve as the grand marshal for the event.

Godwin will be honored for his four decades of welcoming visitors to Plains, a Georgia city that serves as the hometown of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, the “world’s most famous peanut farmer,” according to the festival.

Throughout the day, visitors can explore Maxine Reese Park and the Downtown Historic District, where arts and crafts vendors and food stalls will offer everything from quilts and woodworking to snow cones and funnel cakes. 

Peanut lovers will also get the chance to sample fresh fried Georgia peanuts and grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwiches courtesy of exhibits from the National Peanut Board, Georgia Peanut Commission and National Peanut Buying Points Association.

During this year’s festival, the White House Communications Agency will be stationed at the Plains Community Center from 9 a.m. to noon. This group of military personnel, who have served in various White House administrations, are slated to present films and answer questions regarding their work with various presidents.

Finally, the event will conclude in the evening — beginning at 7:30 p.m. — with a festival street dance on Main Street, featuring a live performance from music group Slaughter Creek.

For more information regarding the festival, visit the Friends of Jimmy Carter website.