Special to the News-Herald

&uot;Break out of your shell;&uot; it’s time to get ready for Suffolk’s biggest gettogether — Peanut Fest.

Throughout the summer, volunteers have been busy clearing and preparing the grounds; members of the executive committee have rolled up their sleeves and are making plans to make this year’s festival one to remember.

Lynette White, director of Suffolk’s tourism office, has put on her captain’s hat and will be at the helm to steer the city in its largest party, which draws as many as 200,000 people from across the East Coast.

This year’s celebration, the 29th year, will be held Oct. 12-15 at the Suffolk Executive Airport.

White is excited about new attractions for this year’s event. The first Peanut Fest Masquerade Ball will be held at the Suffolk Conference Center at the Hilton Garden Inn on Oct. 6, followed Oct. 7 by the all-time favorite — Suffolk’s Peanut Fest Parade, sponsored by SunTrust Bank and New Dominion Pictures.

Big Daddy Motor Sports Truck and Tractor Pull will try again this year for the first annual &uot;pull,&uot; sponsored by Wanchese Fish Co. Inc, Suffolk Cold Storage and Strickland Tractor and Equipment.

After flooding rains forced the cancellation of The Little River Band at last year’s event, they have agreed to return to perform and put on a show like never before.

Sponsors for Little River Band include Budweiser, Starr Motors, Producers Peanut Company, Inc. and 106.9 The Fox.

For a &uot;peanutty&uot; good time, plan to attend the famous Peanut Butter Sculpting Contest – sponsored by Gateway Bank, Producers Peanut Company Inc. This one is always an annual favorite.

And, of course, to kick-off all of the festivities, mark your calendar for an afternoon of good food and great fashions. The Queen’s Luncheon and Fashion Show, produced by the Pilot Club of Suffolk, is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 5.

So get ready. Cool weather and lots of fun is heading your way.

It’s never too early to make plans to attend the celebration of the Peanut and the city of Suffolk.

See you there!