PLAINS — 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 World War II. 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. Mr. Peanut is honored to serve as Grand Marshall for this year’s Plains Peanut Festival Main Street Parade on Saturday.

The Plains Peanut Festival festivities kick off on Friday with a street dance on Main Street featuring the popular band, “Slaughter Creek.”

Saturday begins at 8 a.m. with a One-Mile Fun Run followed by a 5K road race.  Mr. Peanut will be running in the Fun Run. Come out and get your photo made with Mr. Peanut!

The Main Street Parade begins at 11 a.m. Join President and Mrs. Carter in welcoming this celebration of harvest in Plains. A complete schedule of events is posted on the Plains, Georgia website.  

For information on tickets on the SAM Shortline Excursion Train, which will visit Plains and the Boyhood Farm at the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site, visit samshortline.com or call 1-877-427-2457.

2012 Plains Peanut Festival Schedule of Events



FRIDAY

Festival Dance featuriing Slaughter Creek — Main Street — 8 p.m.-midnight — Entrance fee  $5



SATURDAY

One-Mile Fun Run/5K Road Race — 8 a.m./8:30 a.m. — Police Department

Arts & Crafts Vendors/Children Events — 9 a.m.-4 p.m. — Maxine Reese/Logan Parks

Road Race/Post Card Awards Presentations — 10 a.m. — Depot

Peanut Pavilion  — 10 a.m. — Plains Community Center

(Visit all of the National Sponsors)    

Main Street Parade — 11 a.m. — Main Street

President Carter’s book signing —  1:30 p.m. — Billy Carter Service Station

Rosalynn Carter’s book signing — 1:30 p.m. — Plains Inn & Antiques

SAM Shortline Train Ride — 12:30 p.m.  — Shortline Platform  — Tickets:  Coach/$7, Premium/$10

Entertainment Events  — All day  — Maxine Reese Park

Karaoke  — Main Street — 8 a.m.-noon



SUNDAY

Sunday School with President Carter — 10 a.m. — Maranatha Baptist Church