2022 Peanut Fest

Stars & PatrioticGuit

Peanut Fest

Peanut Fest honors heroes

44th annual Suffolk Peanut Fest

for 2022 with a patriotic red, white and blue patriotic twist.

is noteworthy as the Tunnels to Towers Foundation’s mobile exhibit and museum arrives for the four-day event, honoring the lives of all those lost to the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City.

Local residents will have the oppor tunity to live the theme of this year’s Peanut Fest: 'Broad Stripes, Bright Stars and Patriotic Guitars: A Tribute to Our Hometown Heroes and the Red, White and Blue.' Enjoy watching local first-responders and those active or retired from the military escort the mobile museum from downtown to the festival grounds.

The familiar sights, sounds, scents and flavors of the Peanut Fest are also back this year. With the crisp fall air that has moved into our region, we all

can enjoy hearing the sound of peanut shells crunching underfoot, the screams of delight from carnival rides and the rocking music coming from the main stage. Vendors will fill the air with the tempting aromas of shrimp, barbecue, kettle corn and the many other festi val favorites. There will be plenty of exhibits, fun activities for the entire family and fireworks to light up the skies over our city.

We think everyone — whether it’s going to be their first time at the Peanut Fest, or their 40th time — will find an old favorite, a new favorite, and lots of other things to enjoy.

Flip through these pages to learn more about what’s new this year, the queen and her court, and the hard work of many volunteers who have pulled this festival together. Then get out those red, white and blue clothes from the closet to wear at this year’s festival.

9/11 memorial exhibit brings educational experience to Peanut Fest

BY GREG GOLDFARB CONTRIBUTING WRITER

For the first time ever, people attend ing the Suffolk Peanut Festival may pay their personal respects to the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks by visiting the 9/11 Never Forget mobile memorial exhibit and museum.

Following a grand parade down Main Street, the 35-ton patriotic attraction will open its doors for free to the public from noon to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7, from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, and from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9 on festival grounds at Suffolk Executive Airport.

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Owned and operated by the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, the traveling museum debuted in 2013, serving as an emotionally-stirring, tour ing ovation to those lost on Sept. 11, 2001, including 343 members of the Fire Department of New York who made the ultimate sacrifice, saving and protecting others, while in the line of duty.

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The four days of family fun actually starts on Thursday, Oct. 6, and runs from 10 a.m., to 10 p.m., each day.

Although there are no known 9/11 victims from Suffolk, the memorial is expected to attract long lines and thousands of people during its stay in

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Featuring a high-tech body and chas sis, the colorful red, white and blue rig transforms into an 83-foot long, 30-foot wide, 70,000-pound, 1,100 square-foot gallery that educates citizens across the country about the events of that tragic day. It also has interactive education stations, steel beams from the towers, artifacts from ground zero, documen

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tary videos, recordings of first respond er radio transmissions, and interactive guided tours from FDNY heroes.

It takes up to two hours and six people to set up and will be located at the fes tival near the Dominion Energy Peanut Family Stage and the Arts and Crafts Tent. The exhibit’s first festival appear ance is the result of a Dominion Energy $20,000 donation.

“The support from Dominion Energy is truly amazing,” said Theresa L. Earles, Suffolk tourism development manager and promotions coordinator for the festi val. “Not only have they been a longtime sponsor of Suffolk Peanut Fest, but they have gone above and beyond for 2022. Their donation for the 9/11 exhibit just further demonstrates their commitment to community and country, their pride in our armed services and first responders, and the desire to connect with citizens and visitors.”

Dominion Energy’s director of media relations, Bonita Billingsley Harris, said the company jumped at the chance to bring the unique exhibit to the festival, which it has financially supported for the last 10 years, and supported with manpower and equipment for the last 40 years.

“This is the first time that it’s been in Hampton Roads. It’s a pretty big deal, and a coup for the peanut festi val,” said Harris. “We love the Suffolk Peanut Festival and look forward to it every year. Our employees, especially from the Chuckatuck office, have been involved for more than 40 years. The children especially love the ‘Touch a Truck’ opportunities with the Dominion Energy bucket trucks.

“This year was especially meaningful for us to support our first-responders through the Tunnels to Towers museum

exhibit,” continued Harris. “In the last 10 years, our company has donated about $50,000 to the festival, plus vol unteers and equipment. The Suffolk Peanut Festival has always been a high light for us and our communities.”

The trailer is expected to arrive at the festival on that Friday at about 10 a.m., following a procession down North Main Street, beginning at 9:30 a.m., on Prentis Street. It will be escorted to the festival, led by a 1936 Seagrave fire truck, and units from some 30 regional fire departments, along with motorcy cle escorts, such as, the Patriot Guard, the Red Knights, the Blue Knights, American Legion Riders and Abate of Virginia.

Upon arriving at the airport, the Virginia Tattoo and Patriot Guard will lead it through the festival grounds before stopping to raise an American flag; there will also be live music and public comments during the festivities.

Plans to bring the exhibit to the fes tival go back to last spring when 2022 Festival Chairman Richard Bradshaw, along with Suffolk Festivals’ vice presi dent, Tiny Andrews, and Wayne Boyce, coordinated their intentions and efforts with Dominion Energy, foundation lead ers, and the Suffolk fire and police departments, respectively.

“We were at first concerned that we couldn’t make it down in time to load in before the festival opened, due to a visit at a middle school in New York earlier in the week,” said Jackie Eaton, a spokesperson for the exhibit and the foundation. “However, (we) got creative and moved things around to enable our escort to take place on Friday morning into the festival.”

In light of public concerns, ranging

from the pandemic, to the economy, to the war in Ukraine, festival organiz ers decided that this year would be a good one to welcome and embrace the remembrance exhibit.

“(We) wanted to convey gratitude for our military services personnel and our first-responders,” said Earles. “We can’t imagine a more thoughtful way to do so than to recognize those who gave their lives, both civilian and otherwise, on Sept. 11, 2001; and to evoke the feeling that swept the country immediately fol lowing that terrible day, one of unity and strength and patriotism.”

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which uses its proceeds to build mort gage-free smart homes for catastroph ically-injured U.S. Armed Forces vet erans and first-responders who were wounded in the line of duty on or after Oct. 7, 2001, has a goal to deliver 1,000 mortgage free homes by the end of 2022.

The firefighter after which the foun dation is named is Stephen Stiller, who on Sept. 11, 2001, was assigned to Brooklyn’s Squad 1, had just finished his shift and was on his way to play golf with his brothers, when he got word over his scanner of a plane hitting the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

Upon hearing the news, Stephen called his wife, Sally, and asked her to tell his brothers he would catch up with them later. He returned to Squad 1 to get his gear and drove his truck to the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel entrance, but it had already been closed for security purposes. Determined to carry out his duty, he strapped 60 pounds of gear to his back and ran through the tunnel to the Twin Towers, where he gave up his life while saving others.

Now in its 44th year, this year’s pea nut festival offers its attendees many fun, family activities, such as, concerts, amusement rides, contests and competi tions, a demolition derby, peanut cup race, motorcycle rally and fireworks.

With the theme of, “Broad Stripes, Bright Stars and Patriotic Guitars: A Tribute to our Hometown Heroes and the Red, White and Blue,” general admission tickets are $10 per person; children 10 and under are admitted for free; parking is free.

The first Suffolk festival celebrating peanuts was held in January 1941 and

included a parade, dances and balls and coronation of a queen. Some 10,000 people turned out for it, with atten dance rising to 50,000 by the time the event was held again in October 1941. The modern predecessor of today’s festival was celebrated in September 1978 in downtown Suffolk. Called “Harvest Fest” and produced by the local Chamber of Commerce, the event featured a parade, a hot-air bal loon event, a carnival, dances, con certs and a festival queen. It was a downtown tradition until the event moved to the municipal airport in 1981.

For four days each October, Suffolk Peanut Fest draws some 125,000 people and has won the accolades of profes sional festival organizations and nation al magazines.

There are no plans to bring the attrac tion back again for the 2023 festival, said Earles, but it is possible that it could return sometime after that. In the meantime, she expects this year’s exhib it to be well-received.

The Tunnel to Towers 9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit is not just a museum, it’s an interactive, immersive experience that highlights the bravery and selflessness of our first-responder community,” said Earles. “It bears the scars of our country’s past, while honor ing the people who persevered in the face of danger and uncertainty, those who survived and those who gave their lives trying to save their fellow New Yorkers; it’s a testimony to America and the heart of its citizens.”

All events are at the Suffolk Executive Airport, 1410 Airport Rd. The festival is open to the public: Thursday, Oct. 6, 4-10 p.m.; Friday, Oct. 7, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 8, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 9, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. The schedule of events is subject to change

Thursday, October 6

4-10 p.m. — Suffolk Peanut Fest is open to the public. $10 per person, per entry. Children 10 and under are free.

4-8 p.m. — Art Ventures Imagination Station.

4-10 p.m. — Peanut Fest Carload Night. Admission and all-you-can-ride wristbands for up to eight people for $50.

4-7 p.m. — Peanut Fest Touch-A-Truck. Children of all ages love to climb on big trucks and other vehicles and get the chance to do so.

7-8:30 p.m. — Snackbar Jones on the Peanut Lounge Stage. Check out the Snackbar Jones

Schedule of Events

performance on the open air Peanut Lounge stage.

Friday, October 7

10 a.m.-10 p.m. — Suffolk Peanut Fest is open to the public. $10 per person, per entry. Children 10 and under are free.

10 a.m. to noon — Kiddie Day, Suffolk Executive Airport, 1410 Airport Rd. Free entry for Kiddie Day until noon. Enjoy the Gooberland Family Area packed with preschool age activities and fun.

10 a.m.-8 p.m. — Art Ventures Imagination Station, Suffolk Executive Airport, 1410 Airport Rd.

Noon-6 p.m. — 9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit. Learn about 9/11 with this 1,100 square foot mobile exhibit. The 9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit has been connecting people across the country to our nation’s history since 2013. From the Black Hills

of South Dakota to the Tennessee State Fairgrounds and the golden hills of California to quaint New England villages, the memorial has been welcomed to nearly all 50 states, as well as Canada. We have honored the sacrifices made that day with over 350,000 visitors to date. This unique and moving education tool provided a window to the past so that future generations will learn from that tragic day. The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation is committed to ensur ing we will “never forget.” Tours are given by FDNY firefighters who were eyewitnesses to history and provide firsthand accounts of what happened on Sept. 11, 2001. The hightech, 80-foot tractor-trailer transforms into a 1,100 sq. ft. exhibit, and helps to further educate citizens around the country about the events of that tragic day. The exhibit includes interactive education, steel beams from the towers, other artifacts from ground zero, documentary videos, recordings of first responder radio transmissions, and interac tive guided tours from FDNY heroes.

3-7 p.m. — Suffolk Ruritan Club Shrimp Feast. Everyone’s fave. All-you-can-eat shrimp, bar becue, sides, and libations! Live music and great company. Live music by Island Boy. Tickets $40 per person in advance with a limit of 2,000 tickets sold. No tickets will be sold at the gate.

Make checks payable to “Suffolk Ruritan Club.”

4-7 p.m. — Peanut Fest Touch-A-Truck. Children of all ages love to climb on big trucks and other vehicles and get the chance to do so.

7-9 p.m. — The Deloreans on the Main Stage. Grab your best 80s wear — neon, big hair, fingerless gloves — and join us for everyone’s favorite retro band, The Deloreans.

Saturday, October 8

10 a.m.-10 p.m. — Suffolk Peanut Fest is open to the public. $10 per person, per entry. Children 10 and under are free.

10 a.m.-8 p.m. — Art Ventures Imagination Station.

11 a.m.-Noon — Allonge performs on the Dominion Energy Peanut Family Stage. Enjoy a performance by Allonge Dance Academy, a faith-based dance academy that redeems the art and discipline of dance in an encouraging family atmosphere so that children experience the highest quality of dance instruction.

11 a.m.-1 p.m. — Suffolk Parks and Recreation Annual Chalk Art Competition. Calling all art ists. All supplies provided. Free and open to the public. Registration required.

Noon-8 p.m. — 9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit. Learn about 9/11 with this 1,100 square foot mobile exhibit.

1-2 p.m. — Suffolk Peanut Fest Clogging Jamboree. The Peanut City Cloggers officially formed in Suffolk in January 1983. They are a performance and competition clogging team that provides family type entertainment to the community. They strive to continue to pass on the traditional style of clogging to new genera tions. Numerous Members of PCC have been named to the All-American Clogging Team and as well as Team of the Decade. PCC practices every Thursday at the Bethlehem Ruritan Club in Suffolk and hold beginner clogging lessons

Peanut Fest 2022

every year.

2-5 p.m. — 2022 Suffolk Peanut Fest Demolition Derby. Crash! Boom! Bang! Classes: Stock Compact and Stock Full Size, Stock, Mad Dog Stock, Mad Dog Compact and Kids Power Derby.

2-3 p.m. — Peanut Butter Sculpting Contest. The world’s only peanut butter sculpting con test.

4-7 p.m. — Peanut Fest Touch-A-Truck. Children of all ages love to climb on big trucks and other vehicles and get the chance to do so.

5-7:30 p.m. — Luke Willette Band performs on the Peanut Lounge Stage. A little country, a little gospel, a lot of entertainment. Luke Willette Band performs on the open air stage.

6-7:30 p.m. — Crazy X Band performs on the Main Stage. Rock out to the Crazy X Band

8-10 p.m. — A1A - Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band performs on the Main Stage. A1A was formed by Jeff Pike in 1991. They went on to win a Margaritaville Records Jimmy Buffett Sound Alike Contest, sponsored by Buffett. As the first band ever to showcase a high-energy concert composed of nothing except Buffett’s best songs spanning every era of his career, A1A became the only tribute band personally sanctioned by Jimmy Buffett. While count less other bands have followed in A1A’s wake and cited them as their main inspiration, A1A remains the first and foremost Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show and their place in Parrot Head

history is high and unmistakable.

8-9:30 p.m. — Griffin Lane Performs on the Peanut Lounge Stage.

9-9:15 p.m. Suffolk Peanut Fest Fireworks. Suffolk Peanut Fest Fireworks light up the sky, produced by Pyrotecnico.

Sunday, October 9

10 a.m.-10 p.m. — Suffolk Peanut Fest is open to the public. $10 per person, per entry. Children 10 and under are free.

9-10 a.m. — Staging of Bikes Suffolk Peanut Fest Swamp Roar Motorcycle Rally. Coffee and donuts. On-site registration.

10 a.m.-7 p.m. — Military Appreciation Day. Active and retired military admission is $5 (with valid ID) for service member and imme diate family.

10 a.m.-7 p.m. — All-You-Can-Ride Wristband Day. All-You-Can-Ride wristband are available for $30 each.

10 a.m.-5 p.m. — Art Ventures Imagination Station.

10:30-11 a.m. — Cornhole Tournament Registration. Tournament begins at 11 a.m.

11 a.m.-1 p.m. — Meet & Greet - Princess SingAlong. Meet your favorite princesses — Elsa, Anna and Rapunzel.

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. — Second annual Peanut Cup Race. Don’t miss the second annual motorsports event. Participants apply online at www.SuffolkPeanutFest.com.

Noon-6 p.m. — 9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit. Learn about 9/11 with this 1,100 square foot mobile exhibit.

2-3 p.m. — Snackbar Jones on the Main Stage.

3-5 p.m. — The Ultimate Aldean on the Main Stage. The Ultimate Aldean is a tribute to country superstar Jason Aldean, who has had an amazing first nine years performing nation ally from coast to coast. You might have seen the Ultimate Aldean on the show “I Can See Your Voice” that is watched by 6 million view ers nationwide. The group performs at Jason Aldean’s Rooftop Kitchen and Bar located in downtown Nashville on a reoccurring basis — the first tribute to ever perform downtown Nashville at a current country artist’s named establishment.

4-7 p.m. — Peanut Fest Touch-A-Truck. Children of all ages love to climb on big trucks and other vehicles and get the chance to do so.

5-7 p.m. — American Ride Toby Keith Tribute on the Main Stage. The country’s leading Toby Keith tribute and the only tribute endorsed by Toby Keith’s record/management label as “representing him (Toby) well! And you guys do look as though you could be brothers!” The group received the Fortè award for best coun try act in Reno 2016.

Suffolk Peanut Fest Returns for 44th year honoring military, first responders

BY JAMES W. ROBINSON CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Suffolk Peanut Festival makes its return to the city for its 44th year, running from Thursday, Oct. 6 through Sunday, Oct. 9.

The celebration once again prom ises to be filled with food, games and activities for the whole family. Tourism Development Manager Theresa L. Earles, who also serves as promotions coordinator for the festival, said said there is a lot to be excited for at this year’s celebration.

“If you have never experienced the Suffolk Peanut Fest before, you are in for a treat,” Earles said.

“This four-day family friendly event offers something for everyone – a full carnival with amusement rides, concerts and variety acts, a demolition derby, fireworks, arts & crafts, and Imagination Station, petting zoo, pony rides and so much more! We also have the world’s only peanut butter sculpting contest –it’s a fun, gooey mess to behold. This year’s festival will also include teth ered hot air balloon rides and the Kent Family Circus.”

Earles said they are pleased to wel come the Tunnel to Towers Foundation 9/11 Never Forget mobile exhibit and museum, created to honor those who lost their lives in the Sept. 11 attacks and provide education about the horrific events of that day.

“The is a high-tech, 80-foot tractortrailer transforms into a 1,100 sq. ft. exhibit, and helps to further educate citizens around the country about the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The exhibit includes interactive educa tional components, steel beams from the towers, other artifacts from ground zero, documentary videos, recordings of first responder radio transmissions, and interactive guided tours from FDNY heroes. Suffolk Peanut Fest is espe cially grateful to Dominion Energy for sponsoring this particular effort so we may share this monumental traveling museum with the community.”

During each new festival, a volunteer chairman is named to lead the event while also choosing the theme. Earles explained those new aspects of the fes tival.

“The 2022 chairman, Richard Bradshaw, chose the theme, ‘Broad Stripes, Bright Stars and Patriotic Guitars: A Tribute to Our Hometown Heroes and the Red, White and Blue,” in an effort to convey gratitude for our military services personnel and our first responders.

A Suffolk native and graduate of Suffolk Christian Academy, Bradshaw has been a volunteer with Suffolk Peanut Fest for 33 years. He attributes his patri otism to his father Harold’s Army career (the late Suffolk softball pitcher, Harold “Shady” Bradshaw).”

Earles provided more details about the

food, games, and activities that will be at the event.

“Suffolk Peanut Fest offers numer ous games and activities for folks of all ages, she said. “Little kids will love the tractor tire sandbox, petting zoo, touch-a-truck, pony rides, princess sing along/meet and greet, the Kent Family Circus, kid-friendly amusement games and rides.”

Earles said everyone enjoys the demo lition derby and the Peanut Cup Auto Race, the straw maze, monster truck

rides, the Imagination Station, the chalk art competition, etc.

“There’s also a cornhole tournament, ax throwing, clogging jamboree, arts and crafters, and more,” she said. “Not to mention delicious fest food . . . tur key legs, funnel cakes, candied apples, Carolina barbecue, crab cakes, and lots of other tasty fest faves.”

For more details, visit www.suffolk peanutfest.com.

Gabriella Federici

Gabriella Federici, 17, is a student at Nansemond Suffolk Academy where she is a member of the track, tennis and volleyball teams, along with taking part in drafting, photography and art; member American Red Cross Club; NSA Helping Those in Need club; and the NSA Connecting with Kids club. Federici’s special awards and achievements include: NSA World Language Honor’s Society; editor of NSA yearbook; historian on student council; exhibit of excellence in the NSA art show; honorable mention NSA Betty Burger Sculpture; honorable mention NSA art show; Sister Cities art show; NSA tennis team coach’s award recipient. Her volunteer and community involvement include: Suffolk Humane Society with Mutt Strut in 2017, 2018 and 2019; NSA Day of Caring; fre quent donations to Goodwill; assisted with COVID-19 screening at Special for Women SYAA Sports.

Anna Gomer

Anna Gomer, 16, is a student at King’s Fork High School where she is varsity swim team captain, dancer at Allonge Dance Academy, member of National Honor Society, member of the Ecology Club, field hockey team manager, and a member of Founding a Sister Cities International Club at KFHS. Gomer’s awards and achievements include: five athletic varsity letters (swim ninth-11th grades and tennis ninth-10th grades); Rookie of the Year Award in swimming; attended regionals for swimming and tennis; two academic excellence/academic varsity letters (ninth and 10th grade years — 11th grade not yet awarded); and straight As in final grades for all courses ninth-10th grades. Her volunteer and community involvement includes: Suffolk Humane Society volunteer team; Isle of Wight Animal Services volunteer team; PAWS of Hertford County volunteer team; volunteering with Nansemond River Perseveration Alliance; volunteer assistant at Art-Ventures LLC; King’s Fork High School freshman/ sophomore mentorship program; and community festi val planner through Hope for Suffolk at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Page Henry

Page Henry, 17, is a student at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy where she is a member and captain of the varsity field hockey team, member and captain of the varsity lacrosse team, member of the varsity swim team and the state swim team, member of connecting with Kids Club; NSA Literary Magazine editor; and Saints ambassador at NSA. Henry’s awards and achievements include: varsity field hockey Heart & Hustle, Most Valuable Player and offensive player of the year award along with all-tournament team, first team all-state and another first team award; varsity lacrosse awards for Most Outstanding Player and TCIS second-team, first team all-TCIS, second team all-state and first team all-state; Spanish National Honor Society; NSA high honors/honors list; Suffolk Arts League honorable mention; and Continental Math League award recipi ent. Henry’s volunteer and community involvement include: Girl Scouts Bronze Award recipient, Silver Award recipient and working toward Gold Award; Morgan’s Message ambassador; Main Street United Methodist Church acolyte; and Suffolk Running Rebels U-12 girls lacrosse team coach.

Kendal Legg

Kendal Legg, 16, is a student at Suffolk Christian Academy where she is a member of the Beta Club, Student Government Association, the yearbook staff and the varsity basketball team. Other activities include her part-time job at Chick-fil-a, dual enrollment for the last two school years, a member of the varsity soccer team, a competitive gymnast in ninth and 10th grades. Legg has received the Distinguished Christian High School student award, made the principal’s allAs list in 2020-21, class vice president for her junior and sophomore classes. Her volunteer and community involvement efforts are dedicated to support church mission projects.

Taylor Chanell Rockett

Taylor Chanell Rockett, 17, is a student at Suffolk Christian Academy where she is a National Beta Club member 2019-23, member of Student Government Association 2020-23, class president 2020-23, treasurer of the Beta Club and SGA 2020-22, president of the Beta Club for 2022-23 and an officer for SGA 2020-23. She was a member of the SCA basketball team 202021, performed dance 11 years and was a soccer player from 2019-20. Rockett’s achievements and awards include: attended Harvard summer school in 2021; 2019 Solomon Award for highest grade point average 2019-20, 2020-21and 2021-22; all A honor roll 201920; biology award 2020-21; physical science award 2019-20; certificate of excellence for most improved in art 2019-20; English award 2019-21; Bible award for outstanding performance 2019-21; best performance in chemistry and AP government 2021-22; and ACSI distinguished Christian high school award in academic leadership 2021-22. Her volunteer and community involvement include: Belk Charity cards, Thanksgiving outreach, bazaar cleanup, custodial appreciation, serv ing dinner for State of the Academy at SGA, served at Sustain the Vision, helped teachers in the classroom in the Betas in the Classroom program; help with bac calaureate setup and taking it down afterwards, helped distribute pamphlets for graduation and seating those attending.

Emma Rotzler

Emma Rotzler, 16, is a student at Lakeland High School where she is a member of the National Honor Society, Lakeland High School FFA and a member of the varsity volleyball team. In 2021, she served as an intern for Hope for Suffolk and is an ambassador member of Girl Scout Troop No. 946. Rotzler is a junior fair board member for Franklin/Southampton County Fair, a 4-H member of Southampton Livestock Club and an Isle of Wight 4-H Club. Awards and achievements she has received include: 2022 Virginia Teen Miss Agriculture USA; Southampton Livestock 4-H Ambassador Award; president of Southampton Livestock Club and Isle of Wight 4-H Club; completed 34 credits toward an associate’s degree at Paul D. Camp Community College; and senior rabbit showman for Southampton County Fair and the Isle of Wight County Fair. Rotzler said she is currently working on her Gold Award for the Girl Scouts, which includes a beautification area along with a sensory area for chil dren, a mini-teaching garden, a play area for barn visi tors, changing areas for the 4-H members and a picnic area for club members in the Franklin/Southampton Fairground barn. In the past year, she said she helped create Valentine’s Day cards for nursing homes with the National Honor Society and low 4-H Club. As a junior fair board member, Rotzler said she volunteered at the Fair Queen’s Bingon and the Valentine’s Day Pageant sponsored by the Sounthampton County Fair Queens. She also helped set up and work the children’s play area at a Day in the Country at the Southampton Fairgrounds. She also adopted a family at Christmas with the low 4-H Club and donated household items, clothes and toys. Rotzler also created Easter baskets for children in need in Franklin with the Southampton County Livestock Club.

Rockett crowned queen for 2022 Peanut Fest

Suffolk Christian Academy’s Taylor Rockett was crowned as the 2022 Suffolk Peanut Fest queen Wednesday, Sept. 28 at the annual banquet held at Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront.

The Suffolk Peanut Fest Queen’s Banquet and Fashions is produced by the Pilot Club of Suffolk, celebrating the city’s shining young stars while supporting local charities, according to a news release from Suffolk Festival Inc.

The princesses in this year’s Peanut Fest court include Page Henry, Nansemond-Suffolk Academy; Emma Rotzler, Lakeland High School; Anna Gomer, King’s Fork High School; Gabriella Federici, Nansemond-Suffolk Academy; and Kendal Legg, Suffolk Christian Academy.

The queen and her court will be busy through out the Festival, Oct. 6-9, at the Suffolk Executive Airport as they fulfill their royal peanut duties. To learn more, visit SuffolkPeanutFest.com.

Each participating Suffolk Peanut Fest Princess was nominated by her school, based on a creative essay interpreting the current festival theme (“Broad Stripes, Bright Stars, Patriotic Guitars: A Tribute to our Hometown Heroes and the Red, White and Blue”), along with academic success, extracurricular activities, awards, achievements, and community involvement.

Demolition derby returns with crashing good fun

The demolition derby returns to Suffolk Peanut Fest at Saturday, Oct. 8 in the festival arena with bangs, crashes and booms the entire family will enjoy.

James Russell, Auto Thrill Show his torian, said the idea for demolition der bies was conceived in the mind of a 28-year old stock car driver named Larry Mendelsohn. He staged the first demo derby at Islip (Long Island, New York) Speedway in 1958 He had noticed how spectators were attracted by the crashes and smashes of stock car racing.

As it was then, Russell said, it is now with many of the fans stuck to the edge of their seats not as anxious to witness skilled racing but to see the trauma and violence of the wrecks. This is how the now popular demolition derby was born.

The Demolition Derby begins with fun for children as the Kids Power

Wheel Race begins at 1:30 p.m. Helmets are required and no open side power wheels.

This is followed at 2 p.m. by the 2022 Suffolk Peanut Fest Demolition Derby competition in the Suffolk Peanut festi val arena.

Participation fee is $50 for all entries after Sept. 20. A total of $3,650 in prize money will be awarded during the event.

Full Size Class prizes are: first, $1,000; second, $500; and third, $250.

Prizes for the Compact Class are: first, $800; second, $400; and third, $200.

Mad Dog Full Size Class and Mad Dog Compact Class awards are $250 each.

Entry forms and complete competition rules and requirements are available at suffolkpeanutfest.com/demolition-der by.html.

Swamp Roar Motorcycle Rally set

Rev up that Harley and plan for a beautiful day for a ride through the Dismal Swamp in the 2022 Suffolk Peanut Fest Swamp Roar Motorcycle Rally.

The event is set for Sunday, Oct. 9, with regis tration beginning at 8 a.m. at Suffolk Executive Airport, just south of downtown.

Registration is $20 per driver and $10 per pas senger, with includes a commemorative event pin,

admission to Suffolk Peanut Fest (a $10 value) and a ride T-shert for the first 100 drivers regis tered.

Organizers said the send-off for Sunday’s ride then begins at 11 a.m. In the event of rain, the rain date for the Swamp Roar is Oct. 16 at the Sherri Parker Memorial Poker Run and Bike Show.

Pre-registration is open for the ride at the Suffolk Festivals office, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 440 Market St., in Suffolk. Please make checks pay able to: Suffolk Festivals Inc.

A portion of the proceeds from the Swamp Roar benefit nature-based tourism, interpretative and educational programs and habitat restora tion within the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.

Let the imagination run wild

BY JEFF MOORE STAFF WRITER

Art Venture’s Imagination Station returns to Peanut Fest providing children and adults with the chance to show their creative talents.

In an interview, Stephanie Gwaltney said the activities are open to all ages and the Imagination Station is free to the public. All materials for crafts are provided.

“The Imagination Station fosters creativity in children and adults by providing a wide variety of craft mate rials to encourage unique, and original mask designs,” Gwaltney said.

Artful masks allow chil dren and adults to activate their imagination both during

and after the creative pro cess, she said. Participants take their unique mask cre ations home to continue in the fun.

The Imagination Station is open Friday, Oct. 7 and Saturday, Oct. 8 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Suffolk Executive Airport during the festival.

Gwaltney said all partici pants take their creations with them when completed.

This is the second year that Imagination Station is part nering with Suffolk Tourism to bring the activities to the event.

She said that no experience is required to take part in the creative fun.

Music fans will be entertained throughout festival

FROM STAFF REPORTS SUFFOLK NEWS-HERALD

Whether it’s country music or rock favorites, there will be tunes to match about any taste during the three days of entertainment for the 2022 Peanut Fest.

Organizers have lined up tribute bands that are closely linked to the entertainers — Jason Aldean, Toby Keith and Jimmy Buffett.

The Ultimate Aldean is a tribute to country superstar Jason Aldean, who has had an amazing first nine years perform ing nationally from coast to coast. Peanut Fest organizers say many will have seen the Ultimate Aldean on the television show, “I Can See Your Voice,” which is watched by 6 million viewers nation wide.

The group performs at Jason Aldean’s Rooftop Kitchen and Bar located in downtown Nashville on a recurring basis, according to the group’s publicity materi al. The Ultimate Aldean Experience is the first tribute to ever perform downtown Nashville, Tennessee at a current country artist’s named establishment. The group’s lead singer Wyatt West and Aldean are the same age, both share a love for music. West is so dedicated to delivering such an authentic performance that he has even gone as far as getting strikingly similar tattoos that match Aldean’s, according to the group’s materials.

West’s dedication has won him mul tiple radio contests, landing him prizes that include, “Best Jason Aldean LookAlike” and even a grand prize of an allexpenses-paid trip to Las Vegas to attend the 2016 ACM Awards.

West recalls that this was an exciting event for him because it was the first year Aldean received the entertainer of the year award. Since then, in April 2019, Aldean received the highest award a country artist could receive “Artist of the Decade.”

Though most careers of tribute artists end in Las Vegas, West’s career per forming the Ultimate Aldean Experience started in Las Vegas. In 2013, he starred in the show “Country Superstars” located on the Vegas strip in Planet Hollywood. From there his career has soared, West has done several television interviews, played guitar for country artist James Otto, and performed at corporate events,

state fairs, casinos, amphitheaters, and many other venues.

By far, the accolades from Live Nation recognizing Wyatt West as “The World’s Greatest Tribute to Jason Aldean,” have fueled him to continue to work hard and strive to stay true and authentic to Jason Aldean’s music, for many years to come.

Music fans will also have the oppor tunity to hear from the only tribute band endorsed by Toby Keith’s record/man agement label — American Ride.

Entertainer Mike Sugg has been com plimented as “representing him (Toby) well! And you guys do look as though you could be brothers,” the materials for Ultimate Aldean Experience said.

American Ride received The Fortè award for best country act in Reno 2016. Sugg performing as Toby Keith was nom inated for the “Hottest Country Hitter” at the 2017 REEL awards in Las Vegas. Sugg also was televised on the American Country Music Awards Red Carpet and mistakenly interviewed as Keith.

Sugg has been performing his tribute as the Big Dog Daddy for more than nine years. His shows are always personal ized and are centered around the good time country party music of Toby Keith — from his first hit “Should’ve Been A Cowboy” to his latest hits off “Paso In My Pocket.”

And those who continue to look for their lost shaker of salt will be excited to hear that A1A brings its tribute to Jimmy Buffet to the main stage.

A1A was formed by Jeff Pike in 1991 and went on to win a Margaritaville Records Jimmy Buffett Sound Alike Contest, sponsored by Jimmy Buffett.

As the first band ever to showcase a high-energy concert composed of noth ing except Buffett’s best songs spanning every era of his career, A1A became the only Tribute Band personally sanc tioned by Jimmy Buffett, according to the group’s publicity materials.

While countless other bands have fol lowed in A1A’s wake and cited them as their main inspiration, A1A remains the first and foremost Jimmy Buffett tribute show and its place in Parrot Head history is high and unmistakable.

A host of other performers also bring their musical talents to either the main stage or the open-air Peanut Lounge dur ing the festival.

Suffolk Peanut Fest Music Schedule

Main Stage Entertainment

Friday, October 7

3 p.m. — Island Boy (during the Suffolk Ruritan Club Shrimp Feast)

7 p.m. — The Deloreans

Saturday, October 8

6 p.m. — Crazy X Band

8 p.m. — A1A Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band

Sunday, October 10

2 p.m. — Snackbar Jones

3 p.m. — The Ultimate Aldean expe rience

5 p.m. — American Ride tribute to Toby Keith

The open-air Peanut Lounge

Thursday, October 6

7 p.m. —Snackbar Jones

Friday, October 7

10 a.m. — John Yeates Middle School Choir & Band

10:30 a.m. — King’s Fork Middle School Choir & Band

10:45 a.m. — CPRA/LHS Vocal

11 a.m. — King’s Fork Middle School & High School Orchestra

11:25 a.m. — Col. Fred Cherry Middle School Choir, Band & Orchestra

Noon — Nansemond River High School Orchestra, Choir & Drumline

12:30 p.m. — John F. Kennedy Middle School Choir & Band

12:50 p.m. — Forest Glen Middle School Orchestra w/Lakeland High School Band

1:15 p.m. — King’s Fork High School Choir

8 p.m. — Griffin Lane

Saturday, October 8

11 a.m. — Allonge Dance Academy

1 p.m. — Suffolk Peanut Fest Clogging Jamboree

3 p.m. — Band-It

5:00 p.m. — Luke Willette Band

7 p.m. — USAF Heritage of America Band

Sunday, October 9

11 a.m. — Sing A-Long and Princess Meet & Greet by Dream Entertainers

Show off those artistic skills in the peanut butter sculpting contest

There’s more to peanut butter than simply spreading it on bread for a sand wich.

The Suffolk Peanut Butter Sculpting Contest, sponsored by Producer’s Peanuts, returns Saturday, Oct. 8.

Those who have always wanted to try their hand at sculpting peanut butter can enter for a chance to participate. Three general public sculpting spots are avail able this year and will be determined in a free, random drawing. The sculptors who are selected to participate are to be notified Wednesday, Oct, 5, and must arrive on site at Suffolk Peanut Fest by 1 p.m. Saturday, October 8, 2022.

A complimentary admission pass is provided for each participant.

For those just looking to enjoy seeing the creative process, special guest emcee

Rod Fitzwell will keep them entertained as the artists go to work.

Fitzwell started with FM99 WNOR in 1995 as a promotion assistant, but within two months found his way onto the airwaves with the morning show. A former Norfolk Tides visitors clubhouse manager, he became an endearing mem ber of the morning show by delivering sportscasts with his own unique and quirky takes. In addition, Fitzwell also serves as an on-the-spot reporter as well as stuntman for the show. Since 2015, his sports reports also have been a part of the morning show program on sister station, WAFX.

He is a four-time award winner for outstanding sports coverage from the Virginia Association of Broadcasters, as well as being a runner-up for that award on mul tiple occasions.

A graduate of the King’s College in New York with a degree in his tory and minor in communica tions, Fitzwell is married and has two daughters. He has resided in Virginia Beach since 1992.

Owned For

Tickets limited for annual Ruritan Shrimp Fest

Only the first 2,000 people purchasing tickets to the Suffolk Ruritan Club’s 2022 Shrimp Fest will have the opportunity to enjoy their tasty creations.

Tickets are $40 per person for the AYCE shrimp, BBQ, coleslaw, iced tea and adult bever ages available from 3-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7.

During the feast, enjoy live music by Island Boy.

The all you can eat fundraiser helps to fund scholarships awarded by the Suffolk Ruritan Club.

Tickets must be purchased in advance at any of the following ticket outlets: Line-X of Suffolk, Ricky’s & Roy’s, Mike Duman Auto Sales, Suffolk BBQ, Citizen’s Bank Windsor, Ricky’s Carts, Major’s Signs, Suffolk Visitor Center, Carts Unlimited and Grafik Trenz. Payment for tickets is cash or check only, no credit cards are accepted. Checks payable to “Suffolk Ruritan Club.”

The event is one of the traditional kick-off activities for Suffolk Peanut Fest each year. It also serves as a great social gathering, officials with the Ruritan Club said.

For additional information, call 757-620-8625 or visit SuffolkPeanutFest.com.

Exhibitors and merchants Food vendors

A1 Sewer and Drain

ABC Seamless of Tidewater

American Foundation of Suicide Prevention

Bon Secours

Chick-fil-a

Cordelia Rae

Cricket Wireless/Best Wireless

Crosspointe Church

Cutco Cutlery

Disabled American Veterans, Suffolk

Chapter No. 5

Diva’s Bling LLC

Encore Tupperware

Gault Electric LLC

Gideon International

Holly’s Kollectibles

JES Foundation

Leaffilters

Mr. Fix-It

Puffin Mechanical

Patriotic Shop

Real Time Pain Relief

Rose and Womble

Scentsy

Waterdeep Traders

YMCA

Arts & Crafters

Sandy Kerbaugh

Tonya Baker/Southern Crafts LLC

Charlene Boone-Saltwater Studio

Angel’s Small Shop

Sonya Edwards Jewelry

Mahmoud Ibrahim

Dan Merila: The Competition

Margie Manley’s Silk Flowers

Susan Mobley

Margaret Phelps

Bobbie Piper: Sassy Nana Doll Clothes

Justice Parsons: Bee Wicked

Lisa Powers

Clariss Rivera-Candles, Incense & More

Gia Sams

Sharp Edge Designs

Annette Tonielli-Sassy Bubbles & More

Orlanda White: JenLiz Jewelry

Denise Barrett/Three Goats Soap

Buffie Hipps

Megan Crocker

Outside Crafters

Jennifer Cassell

Choot’m Up Marshmallow Tactical Supply

Elite Engraving

Emily Simmons

Eric’s Angel

Jim’s Woodworking

Maui Tropical Soaps

Pollie Clay Co.

The Painted Face

Pamela Tyrrell

Outside Exhibitors

9-11 Never Forget Tunnel to Tower ‘

A Plus Party Rental American Red Cross

Art-Ventures (Imagination Station)

Autobots

Barton Ford Birdsong

Chartway Federal Credit Union

City of Suffolk Public Works Stormwater

Duke Automotive

Falun Dafa Association

Fin Hunters LLC Food Lion

Graceland Portable Buildings

Lil’ Prospectors Mercy Drops

Dream Center National Guard

Navy Federal Credit Union

Paramount Builders

Pete’s RV Center

Planters

Recore LLC

Soldiers Solutions LLC

Starr Motors

Suffolk Democratic Party

Suffolk Republican Party

Tomahawk Toss

Teeny Tiny Farms

US Army

Vacation Village

VFW Post 3160

Virginia Legal

Visit

Tidewater