Last week we spread the word about some of the upcoming festivals paying homage to tree nuts, including pecans, almonds, pistachios, and walnuts. This week, we are profiling some of America's many peanut festivals, which celebrate our country's favorite legume. Mark your calendars, folks, and get ready to go nuts!

National Peanut Festival

Dates: Friday, October 29th - Sunday, November 7th
Location: Dothan, AL
Website: nationalpeanutfestival.com

Now in its 72nd year, the National Peanut Festival is the largest peanut festival in America. It takes place in a region of Southeast Alabama known to locals as the "Wiregrass" area, which produces over half of the peanuts grown in the USA. Festival-goers can take part in an enormous array of events, from coloring contests and photography exhibits to cake decorating competitions and demolition derbies.

The NPF revs up every year with a parade that lasts almost two hours and live entertainment, free with admission, is provided all week long. This year's performers will include Corey Smith, Chris Young, Steel Magnolia, and Bebo Norman. Since the festival's beginning in the late 1930s, the NPF has exploded in popularity, and now 163,000 visitors now flock to the fairgrounds in Dothan, AL each year.

Plains Peanut Festival

Date: Saturday, September 25th
Location: Plains, GA
Website: plainsgeorgia.com

Plains, Georgia, was the hometown of our 39th president, Jimmy Carter, and this year he and Mrs. Carter will be contributing to the Plains Peanut Festival by holding a book signing. The full day of festivities begins with a 1-mile fun run and 5K road race. The Plains parade, arts and crafts sale, and an array of educational exhibits also attract attention to this packed day of peanut pride.

Georgia Peanut Festival

Date: Saturday, October 16th

Location: Sylvester, GA

Website: sylvesterworthcochamber.com

In 1987, the largest peanut butter sandwich ever made (12 feet by 12 feet) was prepared here. The Georgia Peanut Festival is always held on the third week of October to celebrate the tradition end of the peanut harvest. Sylvester, GA, the home of the festival, is also home to the ConAgra plant, which produces Peter Pan peanut butter. Vendors come from all over the state to showcase their wares, and up to 100 contestants enter the festival's beauty pageant. The parade that kicks off the day is one of the largest in the Southeast U.S.

The Virginia Peanut Festival

Dates: Thursday, September 23rd- Sunday, September 26th
Location: Emporia, VA
Website: thevirginiapeanutfestival.com

This is the 48th anniversary of the Virginia Peanut Festival, and, as its website reminds us, it's "gettin' bigger every year!" The festival begins with a cook-off, highlighting the culinary importance of the peanut. Contestants can let their creativity run wild, the only requirement being that peanuts or a peanut product must be included in all recipe entries. Food vendors line the streets every day of the festival, and outdoor entertainment is provided free in the evenings. The grand parade takes place on Saturday, marshaled in by Emporia's award-winning peanut farmer Willie Shminko. Some other great festival attractions include carnival rides, wine tastings, an educational Civil War exhibit, and a fireworks display. Parking and admission to all of the festival's offerings are free and open to the public.