Peanut Festival Still a Go … Maybe
By Will Johnson
Messenger Reporter
GRAPELAND – The list of cancellations due to COVID-19 is long and distinguished. Some cancellations have been huge like the NCAA Basketball Tournament while others have been quite a bit smaller like the Hot Pepper Festival in Palestine or the Mushroom Festival in Madisonville.
Not on the list of cancellations, however, is the 75th Annual Grapeland Peanut Festival. On Monday morning, July 20, Brandon Bridges – with the Grapeland Chamber of Commerce – stopped by the offices of The Messenger and was asked if the Peanut Festival would happen.
“As of right now,” Bridges said, “the plans are to have it, knowing we may have to cancel it.”
He said the parade and Peanut Queen’s Coronation could be held with some modifications but added the carnival may well be nixed.
Concerning the modifications, Bridges explained the parade could be held with attendees practicing social distancing by viewing the parade while sitting in their vehicles.
The Queen’s Coronation could be held with only the contestants, necessary stage crew, judges and immediate family members in attendance, Bridges speculated. He added the coronation could also possibly be live-streamed via the internet.
The final decision on whether to move forward with the Peanut Festival will be announced during the first part of August.
Will Johnson may be reached via e-mail at [email protected].
