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The Goober Gang volunteers wave from their float during the 2018 Suffolk Peanut Festival Parade in downtown Suffolk on Saturday. The Goober Gang will be on hand during the festival to hand out in-shell peanuts for folks to munch on during the festival. See more photos from the parade on page 9 and on Facebook.

Both West Washington and Main streets were flooded with people waiting for the Peanut Fest Parade early Saturday morning.

The parade was the official kick-off to the Peanut Fest that begins Oct. 4 at the Suffolk Executive Airport.

The morning featured floats from city councilmen, the Peanut Queen and her court, high school marching bands and others.

The start of the Peanut Fest was a happy moment for all that were attending, but it was even happier moment for those that have been attending the Peanut Fest for decades.

“I’ve been coming since I was a teen, and now I’m bringing my grandkids,” said Sheila McKibben. “I’ve been bringing them since they were born.”

Both of her grandchildren were happy with the parade as well. Her grandson loved it so much he couldn’t think of just one thing that he loved the most.

“I loved the dancers the best because I just love to dance,” said Lexi McKibben, 11.

Those that live in Suffolk know just how special the Peanut Fest is, and they don’t think twice about whether they want to go or not.

“It’s tradition. We love it,” said Karen Gaskins.

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