Speaking of attractions, Thursday’s Queen’s Luncheon and Saturday’s parade marked the start of the 25th annual Peanut Festival.

Between Thursday and Sunday, tens of thousands of people will come to Suffolk to celebrate the legume that has brought Suffolk both fame and fortune.

The peanut, however, has fallen on hard times of late with bad weather conditions and equally poor regulatory conditions that are driving farmers out of the business.

Rep. Randy Forbes, who attended the parade Saturday, has been fighting for a better deal for our farmers and we’re fortunate to have him representing us in Congress.

We hope more of his colleagues join him in the fight so that the peanut and peanut farming and processing do not become mere memories but remain a vital part of our life and economy that we continue to celebrate.