Hundreds lined the downtown streets in Brooklet, GA Saturday morning, September 16, 2023, for the 10 AM parade that kicked off the annual Brooklet Peanut Festival. Theresia and Randy Newman chaired the parade committee this year. They reported over 90 units in this years parade including floats, cars and antique tractors. Randy gave a shout out to all the volunteers who helped with the parade including the Brooklet Kiwanis Club and members of Public Safety.
The parade was live streamed on WTOC TV's website and Facebook page. Brooklet Peanut Festival Chair Ellen Perkins joined WTOC's Kyle Jordan to help with the broadcast. CLICK HERE to watch the parade live stream.
After the parade everyone headed over one block to the festival grounds to enjoy entertainment, Arts and Crafts, Food, Amusement's and of course, peanuts about any way you wanted them.
Ja'Kori Cope drove the Grice Connect mobile which is a totally electric Nissan Leaf in the parade while I filmed the parade route from inside the car. We gave Grice Connect viewers an inside look at what it is like to be in a parade.
While we were waiting for the parade to begin we had the opportunity to try some lemonade and hotdog's from Annie who was set up along the parade route. 9 AM was a little early for a hot dog for me, but not for Ja' Kori. He loved it and we both loved the home made lemonade.
It's been a great day
"It has been a great day in Brooklet, GA. Thanks to everyone helped make this year's festival a success," said Ellen Perkins. "Hopefully enjoyed lots of peanuts today and had a fantastic time in Brooklet. There was boiled peanuts, parched peanuts, fried peanuts, fun rides, and different features for the kids. Free entertainment on the stage all day with the Third Infantry Band, local high school bands, and The High Mileage Band performed from 6pm to festival close."
The entry to the festival was free and there was something for everyone at this years event.
"We appreciate all of our wonderful sponsors, our hardworking team of less than 20 people, and the community support we receive each year for the festival," Perkins said.
Proceeds from the festival help support community projects in Brooklet throughout the year.
For more information on the annual Brooklet Peanut Festival, visit the festival website at brookletpeanutfestival.com.