We returned to the Peanut Proud Festival in Blakely, Georgia, for the third year in a row and had even more fun. For starters, I caught up with the Peanut Guy! And yes, I did race down the street after him to ask for a photo.
It was a chilly morning; in fact, I wore two more layers under my warm jacket. Ignore those people in the background wearing shorts and short-sleeved shirts. They were probably freezing but were too proud to admit it. See what I did there?
We had the same spot we had the previous two years, which was perfect for watching the parade of go-carts zipping around in circles, ancient tractors, marching bands, politicians throwing candy, and fire trucks blaring their horns. The parade set the tone of excitement for the day.
As usual, the Peanut Proud organizers had goodie bags for the vendors, which no other festival does! We brought home dry roasted peanuts, peanut butter, a peanut butter knife, and homemade peanut brittle.
Here’s a thought for you: what if you found books online that you really, really loved? And what if you went to the Peanut Proud Festival in Blakely, Georgia, with your grandfather and spotted a booth with your favorite books, written by your favorite author?
“I’ve read this book, and this book, and this book…”
And when you stared at the person behind the table, you recognized the author…would you be stunned?
It was absolutely magical for both of us! I was so thrilled for her that my hand shook when I signed her books. Since she had already read the entire Grid Down Survival Series, I gave her the bonus book, Grid Down: The Beginning.
The hero of our story, however, was the patient grandfather who stood by then beamed as he opened his wallet for his favorite granddaughter’s books.
Best day ever!
Judith A. Barrett - Author 