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By Charlotte Smith
Pictures contributed by Dublin Peanut Festival Committee.

Each year, the small town of Dublin, North Carolina, comes alive with excitement and tradition during its annual Peanut Festival. A beloved celebration for many in Bladen County, the festival is known for its warm community spirit, lively entertainment, and dedication to local causes. This year’s 32nd annual Dublin Peanut Festival (DPF) was no exception, bringing together thousands of attendees for a day of family fun, great food, and vibrant activities.

A Royal Start: The DPF Scholarship Beauty Pageant

The festival week kicked off with the DPF Scholarship Beauty Pageant, held the weekend before the main event. The pageant crowned a new queen and her court, welcoming the 2024/2025 Dublin Peanut Festival Royalty. This year’s court includes Junior Miss Emma Luchetta, Teen Miss Emma Fisher, Miss Dublin Madison Wilkins, Sweetheart Calleigh Smith, and Ambassador Cylee Lugenbell.

Vickie Sibbet, the pageant’s director, expressed pride in the new court, stating, “These young ladies will be representing the Dublin Peanut Festival all over Bladen County. I’m so proud of this group of beauties! They did an amazing job representing the festival, and we are looking forward to a great year with them.”

The Heart of the Festival

The main festival took place on September 21st, and the hard-working DPF committee was able to enjoy the fruits of their labor as the town of Dublin came together to celebrate the occasion. This year, Bladen Community College (BCC) contributed to the festivities by unveiling a peanut sculpture near Dublin Town Hall. The sculpture, created by BCC students and staff, was a symbol of the college’s investment in the community. Dr. Amanda Lee, president of BCC, expressed her excitement about showcasing the talents of the school’s students, crediting Mike Taylor from BCC as the creative mind behind the sculpture.

On Saturday morning, the festival’s popular parade, organized by the Dublin Fire Department, officially kicked off the celebration at 10 a.m. Attendees were treated to a day filled with entertainment, food, and local crafts. Mayor Horrace Wyatt, who was present from the unveiling of the peanut sculpture through the final festivities, reflected on the town’s strong sense of community.

Wyatt, who also serves as treasurer of the DPF committee, highlighted the festival’s ongoing contributions to the local community. Over the years, the committee has supported the local education system and helped fund the construction of a gymnasium for the town’s school. Although the final tally of funds raised this year is still pending, Wyatt declared the festival a success, sharing, “It went fantastic, and we had a tremendous turnout!”

Festival Highlights and Community Impact

The 2024 festival featured 45 craft vendors and 14 food vendors, offering a wide array of goods and treats for attendees. Due to space limitations, the car show, typically held on the Dublin Primary School grounds, was relocated to the parking lot of Dublin First Baptist Church—a change that was well-received by the public, according to Wyatt.

As for the festival’s long-term contributions, the DPF committee estimates that over the last 30 years, it has funneled approximately $80,000 into the community, supporting various projects and initiatives. Wyatt expressed the committee’s hope for continued growth and welcomed anyone interested in helping the festival expand in the future.

In addition to the vendors, the festival offered live music, with several bands performing throughout the day, including the headliner, “The Blackwater Band.” Rides and bouncy houses kept the younger crowd entertained, while the festival’s field behind the school provided ample space for family fun.

Looking Ahead

Despite Dublin’s modest population of around 250 people, the annual Peanut Festival draws thousands of visitors each year, cementing its status as a cherished tradition. As locals say, “It’s Dublin every day,” but for one day each September, the town transforms into a bustling hub of celebration.

Mayor Wyatt is already looking ahead to next year’s festival, sharing his enthusiasm: “We are already excited about next year’s festival. We look forward to it.” The Dublin Peanut Festival is held on the third Saturday of September each year.

For more information about the Dublin Peanut Festival, visit www.dublinpeanutfestival.com.

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