Golden Goobers
Published 9:53 am Tuesday, October 4, 2016
- Aulander Mayor Larry Drew and Peanut Festival Committee chairperson Bobbie Parker were pleased with the turnout and “spirit of the day” on Saturday when this Bertie County town paid tribute to the golden goobers. | Staff Photos by Kim Bunch Hoggard
By KIM BUNCH HOGGARD
Correspondent
AULANDER – Mayor Larry Drew was beaming with pride Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Aulander Peanut Festival.
After all, there was much to brag about, knowing how this small town, still reeling from the loss of one of its largest employer and the recent murder of a town businessman, always manages to pull together in a time of need.
“There were over 25 volunteers along with committee chairperson, Bobbie Parker, who did a wonderful job organizing and carrying out this year’s festival,” Drew said.
The Bertie High Falcon Regiment is shown performing with symbols as part of their routine during the Peanut Festival’s opening ceremony.
“A big thank you goes out to the Town of Aulander employees who also did a great job,” the Mayor added.
There were varied attractions and festivities on hand.
The day began with a 5K race. Jonathan Huddleston finished the race with the best time, which was 21 minutes and 9 seconds.
After the race, the crowd was entertained by the Bertie County High School Falcon regiment who performed theatrics while playing their band instruments.
Students from Aulander Elementary School also performed under direction of Principal Clara Lee.
April Smithwick of the Bertie County Farm Bureau was on hand selling food items made from all Bertie grown ingredients.
Bertie Sheriff John Holley displayed his sparkling motorcycle, along with other cyclists who had their bikes on display at the festival.
Wayne Lassiter came with his patriotically decorated tractor.
Lassiter joked, “I am a vintage serviceman with a vintage tractor.”
In the old Aulander High School Gym many artisans were selling their handmade arts and crafts.
Dallas and Hayden Edwards, both sporting freshly applied face paint, enjoy their ice cream at Saturday’s event in Aulander.
The event also included various entertainment. Appropriately, the Peanut City Cloggers from Suffolk, VA were part of the line-up, as were the Spin Man, Roanoke Jubilee, Cuz’n Kirk’s Blues Band, and the Part Time Party Band.
Additionally there was a cornhole tournament and a Punt-Pass/Kick competition for children and teens.
A good time was had by all who came out to pay homage to the golden goodness of peanuts, also known as goobers, which grow in the fertile soil of Bertie County.
