Fall is right around the corner and that signals the beginning of the festival season in Suffolk. The first event that serves as the kick-off for this city’s annual Peanut Fest is the Pilot Club of Suffolk’s Queen’s Luncheon.

Members of the Pilot Club of Suffolk are preparing for their 23rd event, which takes place at noon Thursday, Oct. 3, in the Suffolk Shrine Club, and a place at these special tables costs $15 per person.

The program features local high school students who have been selected to serve as the Peanut Fest Queen and her Court. The Queen has several duties during the holidays, serving as official hostess to Peanut Fest and many other special events.

Leroy Edwards will be master of ceremonies for the luncheon. In addition to playing Santa Claus for the holidays, Edwards serves on many boards for various groups like Meals on Wheels, and he is the chairman of the American Red Cross Suffolk Chapter and the Obici Foundation Board. He steps out to help with many events and always enjoys events like the luncheon.

This year, the program is expected to be another event to be savored, and not only do the members plan and prepare an entire menu full of delectable foods but the luncheon also includes a fashion show with the latest in fall and holiday clothes

Margaret Smith, publicity chairman for the Pilots’ Queen’s Luncheon, said her sister Pilot members will be busy from now until the event wrapping up last-minute details. One of those details includes the creating of table decorations that are always coveted souvenirs of the event. At the close of the luncheon festivities the decorations will be available for purchase.

Janice White and Roberta Powell, a past-president of Pilot Club of Suffolk, serve as co-chairs of the event, and Mary Ellen Browning serves as chairman of ticket sales.

Browning recently responded to a call from the offices of Dominion Power, one of many local businesses that purchases an entire table for the annual luncheons. Tickets are $15 per person and may be purchased from any Pilot Club of Suffolk member, or call Mary Ellen Browning at Essex Savings Bank at 539-1555.