After nearly a year in the planning, the 26th annual Peanut Fest premieres Thursday.

The careful planning and hard work of Linda Stevens, her staff and the volunteers comes to fruition, beginning at 3 p.m. with the Suffolk Ruritans’ regionally famous Shrimp Feast.

There are still tickets available and worth the $25 price tag for the scrumptious freshly steamed seasoned shrimp. If that cost still seems too much, consider in the fact that the club donates the profits back to community organizations. The money you spend will come back to you one way or another.

The cost of parking daily is $7, or you can get a four-day parking pass for $12; likewise, that money is returned to the community. Either way, Suffolk wins.

There’ll be rides to thrill, more food than you can possibly stomach, several tents to contain games, exhibits, and hours of music to serenade you. Bands such as Blue Oyster Cult, Molly Hatchett and Restless Heart will be performing.

We also hope that you’ll drop by the News-Herald’s booth and visit the staff members manning the site. Also, this year we’re involved with a special exhibition from The Virginia Marine Science Museum called &uot;Ocean in Motion.&uot;

Visitors can learn about a variety of aquatic creatures and their habitats, including a touch tank so you can get up close and personal with sea urchins and the like.

We’ll see you there!