Established in 1938, the National Peanut Festival, the United States' largest peanut festival, is held each fall in Dothan, Alabama, to honor peanut growers and to celebrate the harvest season. This festival provides vital funding to many local non-profit organizations.  The sales generate much of the revenue needed for many local school's bands to function.  Additionally, both the Kiwanis and Civitan Clubs use the funds generated through food sales to aid the community.  Numerous, churches also use the funds generated to share the gospel.  Local first responders also take part in festival generating funds needed to continue their mission.  The Gideon's annually distribute Bibles to those needing the Gospel. 

Local farmers both young and old work throughout the year to raise the finest animals in the nation for show.  Local gardeners tend to their plants for the chance to raise award winning flora.  The Peanut Festival is the superbowl for many FFA and 4-H chapters in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. In addition, the Peanut Festival Pageant is second only to Miss America.  Every Wiregrass girl dreams of winning and being crowned “Miss Peanut”.

We ask that the board reconsider the complete closure.  Allow the local organizations the opportunity to fundraise, and allow our farmers both young and old the chance to compete!  The rides and the midway are not required!