Next weekend, thousands of people will descend upon Whitesboro to celebrate the town’s 59th Annual Peanut Festival, hosted by the Whitesboro Area Chamber of Commerce. The event runs from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
After a welcome from Whitesboro Mayor Jeff Butts on the Main Stage at Center and Main Streets, the parade (themed “Rooted in tradition, Growing in pride”) will begin at 10 a.m.
Following the parade, attendees can enjoy a day of food, fun and live entertainment. More than 200 vendor booths will line the streets of downtown, and local storefronts will be open for business, providing a multitude of shopping opportunities.
The car show at Trollinger Park, presented in part by the Southern Cross Car Club, will feature a variety of vehicles. Enjoy music by DJ Jess and door prizes, beer and concessions. Awards will be presented at 3 p.m. Proceeds from the show will benefit the Grayson County Children’s Advocacy Center.
A food court in the parking lot behind Past & Blast will offer a variety of food and drinks. New this year, alcohol will be permitted in the event confines, so adults can enjoy a cold beverage while perusing the vendors along Main Street.
Announcements and live entertainment will be held on the Main Stage all day long, with musical performers to include the WHS Marching Band, the Flatbed Trailers, Metal Shop and a local talent showcase with Chasely Bratcher, Zander Brannan and Elly Harper.
Live demonstrations from local karate and cheer/tumbling groups are sure to entertain, and you can even be part of World Singing Day (read more about this on page 3 of this issue). The gospel stage will be located inside the First Baptist Church this year, providing air conditioned comfort for those wanting to enjoy these performances.
The carnival will return to the parking lot behind Tender Smokehouse this year. Enjoy rides and midway games Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Parking is available in the field behind Sonic. Pre-sale tickets ($25) will be available at the Chamber office Oct. 13-16.
More fun for the kids can be found at Kid Alley in the Church of Christ parking lot (at the corner of Union and Wainwright Streets). From 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., kids can enjoy bounce houses, a petting zoo and more.
This year, the Whitesboro Chamber is selling tickets for the chance to win a 2025 Chevy Trax. Tickets are $50 each and the winner will be announced from the Main Stage at 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Originally created to recognize the peanut farmers who helped contribute to a thriving community, the present-day Peanut Festival honors the heritage of the crop and farmers who helped build Whitesboro into what it is today.
With so much fun packed into just one day, you won’t want to miss any of the excitement. Watch for a special Peanut Festival guide inside next week’s issue of the News-Record complete with stories, photos, an event map and entertainment schedule to ensure you make the most of this time-honored tradition.
