Dothan, Ala. (WDNews) – The 2024 National Peanut Festival Parade is set to take place on Saturday, October 26th, at 3:30 PM, bringing some exciting changes to the beloved tradition. This year’s parade will mark the 80th celebration with a nostalgic return to Foster Street, moving away from the recent Main Street route.
Several key updates are being implemented to improve the experience according to the FB NPF event page:
New Date and Time: The parade will now be held in the afternoon, allowing more than 400 volunteers the chance to enjoy the event with their families. In the past, the early morning timing conflicted with their duties at the fairgrounds.
Consideration for High School Bands: Late Friday night football games often meant early Saturday parades were tough for student musicians. The new afternoon timing will allow these talented bands more rest before their performances.
Enhanced Security: The revised route reduces the parade footprint, allowing for increased safety measures. Key downtown streets, including Oates Street, will remain open throughout the day for better traffic flow.
The 2024 Parade Grand Marshal will be Harry Hall, and the procession will wind through the South St. Andrews and Foster Street, Newton and Appletree St passing landmarks like the Dothan Civic Center. For more information and a detailed map of the route, visit the National Peanut Festival website here.
Organizers are optimistic these changes will elevate the experience for all attendees, and they invite everyone to celebrate this special milestone on October 26th.
