Our friends and neighbors in Isle of Wight County know a thing or two about throwing a good party, and the one they’re throwing during the next few days of the Isle of Wight County Fair is exciting not just because of what visitors can enjoy there, but also because of the implication that Peanut Fest, Suffolk’s own annual shindig, is right around the corner.

The Isle of Wight fair kicked off Wednesday with the traditional Seafood Fest at Heritage Park near Windsor. But that popular event was just the beginning of the fun.

A poultry and rabbit show, 4-H competitions, field and garden exhibits, heritage food and arts and crafts, horse show and a BMX stunt show are also scheduled. Other attractions include the Zerbini Family Circus, motor sports, ATV challenge, antique tractor pull, bull riding and monster truck rides.

Horses Horses Horses! a performing horse show featuring 12 miniature stallions, a Friesian from Holland and a black Arabian, is scheduled for showings tonight through Sunday, and the BMX stunt show, featuring aerial stunts and technical maneuvers from riders who have competed at the X Games, Gravity Games and Dew Action Sports Tour, will entertain fairgoers each day, as well.

There will be a talent show, a motorcycle ride, fair food, a midway with carnival rides and games and entertainment on the main stage each evening.

For more information and complete schedules, visit www.thefairiscoming.com.

The Isle of Wight fair is a popular source of entertainment this time of year in Western Tidewater. But it’s also a reminder for folks in Suffolk that Peanut Fest — with its tractor pulls, demolition derby, fireworks and musical entertainment — is just a few short weeks away.

Peanut Fest draws as many as 125,000 people during the course of its run, which this year is set for Oct. 10-13, and nobody who attends has a reason to have left the grounds because of boredom or hunger.

Can’t wait for Peanut Fest? Think of the Isle of Wight County Fair as a great way to whet your appetite for the main course in October.