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A Staff Report

On Saturday, September 16, 2023, the Dublin Peanut Festival (DPF) etched its name in the hearts of families and friends once again, igniting the heart of downtown Dublin, North Carolina. This remarkable celebration has become the go-to gathering where people unite to savor the essence of the beloved peanut.

Festival-goers came together to enjoy the annual parade, a dazzling car show, live musical performances, a vibrant array of craft and food vendors, and an irresistible assortment of peanuts, including Dublin’s very own Huston’s Peanuts, Georgia Peanuts, and the renowned boiled peanuts from the Peanut Patch.

Vicki Sibbett, DPF chair, said that a staggering 57 vendor spots were on site, but the thrilling rides undoubtedly stole the spotlight.

The Festival’s spirited parade, led by the charismatic Alayna Hester, a renowned actress from Bladen County, kicked off the festivities with pomp and grandeur at 10:00 am, setting the tone for a day of boundless excitement.

Attendees seized the opportunity to acquire exclusive limited-edition festival t-shirts designed by the talented DeAnna Davis, a student from Dublin Primary. Notably, Brent Underwood, Mobile Marketing Director at Peanut Patch, shared that this year, Peanut Patch had generously covered the costs for printing the Festival’s shirts. As a result, every dollar from the t-shirt sales contributed directly to the coffers of local DPF non-profit. The generosity was a grand gesture as part of Peanut Patch’s “Boiling USA Tour.”

Another notable twist is that Mary Bell, one of the DPF organizers, explained a colossal metal peanut, a creation donated by Bladen Community College, was dedicated to the Festival. The announcement generated an astounding social media buzz, amassing over 50,000 likes in under five minutes.

Live music and captivating entertainment were provided by Reflections II, ensuring that attendees were kept in high spirits throughout the day.

The Dublin Peanut Festival remains committed to its education and community enrichment core values. Each year, the funds raised during the Festival are channeled towards enhancing educational and community initiatives.

This beloved annual event found its home years ago at Dublin Primary School, 7048 Albert Street in Dublin, NC, where most of the Festival activities unfolded.

In an exciting development, the Classic Cruisers Car Club presented prestigious trophies to the standout vehicles in their car show. Stay tuned as BladenOnline.com brings you a comprehensive report on this exciting competition in tomorrow’s edition.