Plains Peanut Festival set for Sept. 14-15, 2012
Mr. Peanut honored as Grand Marshall in Plains parade

Released: September 6, 2012

TIFTON, Ga.– The 2012 Plains Peanut Festival kicks off Sept. 14-15, with a street dance, parade and lots of peanuts. The festival is held annually in Plains, Ga., home of President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter.

The parade will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, and Mr. Peanut will be honored as the Grand Marshall. Created in 1916 by a 12-year old boy as part of a contest, Mr. Peanut has been an American icon for almost a century. Dressed in the formal clothing of an old-fashioned gentleman, complete with top hat, monocle, white gloves, spats, tights and a cane, Mr. Peanut first appeared in advertising in 1919. He is now one of the best-known icons in advertising history. He has been a part of American culture for the last hundred years, even supporting the troops during WWII. In 2005 Mr. Peanut was inducted into the Advertising Walk of Fame. He was given a makeover in 2010 and a voice on TV for the first time.

The University of Georgia, The Peanut Institute, National Peanut Board, Farm Credit, Planters, Jif, National Peanut Buying Points Association, Mars and McCall Farms will display exhibits in the Planter's Peanut Pavilion. The Georgia Peanut Commission will be on hand oil roasting delicious Georgia peanuts in the pavilion.
The Plains Peanut Festival festivities begin Friday, September 14, with a street dance on Main Street featuring the popular band, “Slaughter Creek.” Saturday events begin at 8:00 a.m. with a One Mile Fun Run followed by a 5K road race. Mr. Peanut will be running in the Fun Run. Additional festivities throughout the day include free entertainment, historical and educational displays, food vendors, as well as arts and crafts booths.

Sponsors of this year's peanut festival include Kraft Foods-Planters, Smuckers-Jif Peanut Butter, Georgia Peanut Commission, National Peanut Buying Points Association, National Peanut Board, The Peanut Institute, Mars, McCall Farms and The Plains Better Hometown Program. For more information and to view a schedule of activities visit the official web site of the Plains Peanut Festival at www.plainsgeorgia.com.
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For more information

Joy Carter Crosby
Director of Communications
joycarter@gapeanuts.com
phone: (229) 386-3690