Pelion’s Annual Peanut Party Brings Community Together in Delicious Style
PELION, S.C. — This past Saturday, the delightful town of Pelion celebrated its annual Peanut Party, an event dedicated to the love of southern boiled peanuts! With the sun shining bright, locals and visitors alike flocked to the festival, making it one for the books with an impressive crowd size estimated between 5,000 to 10,000 attendees.
A Peanut Lover’s Paradise
If you’re a fan of boiled peanuts, then this was your paradise! The Peanut Party had everything: from vendors selling cowboy hats that would make any western films jealous to thrilling rides perfect for the adventurous soul. Not to mention the tantalizing food trucks serving up mouth-watering dishes. But let’s be real, the star of the show was undoubtedly those heavenly boiled peanuts, served warm and seasoned just right!
Fun for Everyone!
Making it a true community affair, organizers pulled out all the stops this year. Music filled the air with live performances that had attendees tapping their toes and swaying to the beat. For the night owls, the festivities continued with a spectacular fireworks show at 7:30 p.m., followed by more live music taking over the stage at 8 p.m. The event wrapped up nicely by 10 p.m., leaving everyone with full bellies and happy hearts.
Giving Back to the Community
The event serves a greater purpose beyond celebrating delicious food; it aims to support local students! The Peanut Party Chair, Amy McDonald, shared that all proceeds go towards funding the festival in the upcoming year, alongside providing scholarships for local students. McDonald explains, “We give a tradesman scholarship and an academic. Our tradesman scholarship goes to a child that is either in the trade school at Lexington Technology Center or is recommended by one of the teachers at Pelion High School.”
These scholarships are impactful, offering $500 to help students purchase tools, uniforms, and boots necessary for their future career paths. The academic scholarship offers assistance for those heading to whichever college they desire.
A Family Reunion Feel
The Peanut Party is more than a festival; many attendees describe it as one giant family reunion. Sherry Sauls shared her experience, “So I married in 1986, and my husband and I went shortly thereafter. The first time we went, we had heard about it, and I literally think I was in somebody’s backyard. It was like a family reunion, ya know what I mean?” Now, she continues the tradition with her family each year, recalling, “I love boiled peanuts, so why not?”
A Tight-Knit Community
McDonald mentioned that when choosing scholarship recipients, they strive to consider community involvement. “Did they come and help with the festival? Have they done other events in the community?” In a close-knit town like Pelion, community spirit is alive and well.
Looking to the Future
As the day wrapped up and the crowds began to disperse, hope and excitement filled the air for next year’s Peanut Party. With the dedication of the organizers and the support of the caring community, it’s clear that this delicious celebration will continue to thrive.
