Thousands celebrate Fourth at Peanut Festival Grounds

By Lance Griffin

Published: July 4, 2008

So many things. So few hands.

Thousands of parents walked the grounds of the National Peanut Festival Friday night, their children screaming for that last rock climb, that last funnel cake.

They scrambled to fulfill their children’s wishes while still having time to get into place for the fireworks finale at the Family 4th Celebration hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Dothan. Music filled the night air. On one stage, couples danced to a Temptations remix. Another band covered Heart’s “Barracuda” a few hundred feet away.

Meanwhile, parents did their best to balance necessities and trinkets.

Their hands and arms practically buckled under the weight of umbrellas, lawn chairs, corn dogs, teddy bears, airbrushed T-shirts.

Ice cream.

Sweet roasted corn, water, cokes, glow sticks, strollers, chicken wings, boiled peanuts.

Cell phones.

Impatient toddlers balanced on top of dads’ shoulders as they scurried for the perfect fireworks-viewing spot.

Few, if any, spoke of the slowing economy and $4 gas.

July 4 was a time for family, fun, fair food, festivities, fireworks and freedom.

“The price isn’t bad at all. The kids have a ball all day for $5,” said Todd McGovern of Dothan, who, along with friend Gene Piper, helped oversee five children ranging from 4 to 13. Children under 12 were admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

Overall, there were 10 in McGovern’s and Piper’s group. They came early Friday morning, enjoyed the car show and some of the water rides, went home during the heat of the day and came back for a few more rides, some funnel cakes and fireworks.

While McGovern and Piper watched Kyra, Carlie, Matthew, Amber and Brandon bounced on the bungy jump, Randy and Michelle Holland of Cowarts rested in lawn chairs as the crowd bulged around the fireworks display. Their children, Evan, 6, and Braylee, 3, bounced anxiously in front. For many, it was their first trip to the event. Most said it won’t be their last.

The fireworks cranked up at 9:09. Patriotic music played at a nearby tent. Childrens’ oohs and aahs provided background. In just more than 20 minutes, it was over. The sea of lawn chairs folded up. Kids scarfed down the last corn dog as they walked out of the gate.