2010 will mark the 48th Annual Virginia Peanut Festival. The month of September is earmarked for recognition of the Virginia Peanut and the Virginia Peanut Farmers in Southeastern Virginia.
Virginia Peanuts are grown throughout the southeastern counties in Virginia from Greensville County to the city of Suffolk and into northeastern North Carolina.
The fourth weekend in September starting on Thursday through Sunday is one of the most anticipated times in this Southside Virginia community. The carnival opens on Thursday just as the Kick-off Kook-off gets underway.
On Friday evening, everyone is invited to an evening in the park located next to the Municipal Building in the center of Emporia. Craft and food vendors are operating while bands play under the Pavilion. The crowd brings chairs and blankets and finds their special spot on the hillside together with family and friends. Dancers, young and old, enjoy the music and fellowship during this family oriented the event.
On Saturday at 11 a.m. a parade travels along Main Street with five to six high school bands, local favorites, political candidates and other fun entries. There is no entry fee for participants upon approval of the committee.
