Peanuts plentiful this weekend in Jay

The time of year has come for the 30th Annual Jay Peanut Festival from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., this Saturday, Oct. 5 and Sunday, Oct. 6 at the Gabbert Farm in Jay.

The farm is located at 3604 Pine Level Church Road and is put on in memory of the Gabbert's daughter, Melissa Caroline Gabbert, who died from complications of cancer and age 19.

Admission, parking, contests and entertainment at the festival are free. There will be arts, crafts, antiques, new merchandise, a rock wall, a bungee jump, inflatables, game trailers, train rides, pony rides, gem mining, swing ride, children's activities, a pig chase, a pet dress-up parade and contest, antique tractors and equipment display, 1930's farm museum, 1940's replica of a John Deere implement dealership, antique shop, grist mill, new farm equipment, live entertainment, exotic animals, farm animals, and mush more for the entire family.

There will be green peanuts to take home and peanuts prepared in many ways, such as boiled, fried, parched and candied, as well as peanut brittle and other baked goods. All kinds of cold and hot food and beverages will be for sale.

On Saturday, Felicia Johnson and her Dare to Dream Entertainment will perform.

Sunday morning at 9 a.m., there will be a church service with the Rev. Earl Greene for those who wish to attend followed by gospel music all day with Jim Lassiter and his Christian Academy.

The Pet Dress Up Parade and Contest will begin with registration at 10 a.m. on Sunday. The lineup is at 1:45 p.m. and the parade begins at 2 p.m. with judging following the parade.

First place will receive $50, second place will receive $25, third place will receive $15 and Honorable Mention will receive $10.

For more information, please contact the Gabbert Farm at 850-675-6823 or the Santa Rosa County Extension Service at 850-675-3107 or 850-623-3868.