Graceville brings home several wins at this year’s National Peanut Festival

This year’s National Peanut Festival was one for the books and in those books, Graceville’s name will definitely be included. This year, Graceville residents, students, and representatives brought home numerous awards from several competitions ranging from pageantry to agriculture and even another parade win.

Starting in October at the Miss National Peanut Festival Pageant, Miss Graceville Emilie Franklin received third runner up in the pageant along with placing in the top five in both verbal and written categories. Franklin was one of three Jackson County queens to place in the top 10, and herself and the new Miss NPF, Leah Whitehead (formerly Miss Jackson County) were both called in the top five as well.

Going into the week of the National Peanut Festival, several students from Graceville School brought home awards at various competitions held at the fairgrounds. On Sunday, November 5 Graceville FFA students Camille Britt and Claire Lane won top awards in cattle showing. Senior Camille Britt won Supreme Reserve Simmental Heifer as well as Supreme Reserve Shorthorn Bull! Graceville School sophomore Claire Lane also won big taking the Supreme Grand Champion Simmental Heifer award. Graceville School students weren’t done yet, two days later on Tuesday, November 7 Graceville School student Samaiyah Wilson won a heifer by catching it at this year’s Calf Scramble! Samaiyah will raise it and plans to show it next year at the National Peanut Festival!

Finishing out the week, the City of Graceville Float created by the Graceville Woman’s Club pageant committee placed fourth in this year’s National Peanut Festival Parade! Pageant Director Samantha Angerbrandt noted that the float honored those who make events like the National Peanut Festival possible, from the fields to the festival - the military, farmers, and volunteers. The float showcased the love of peanuts from the field to the festival while also giving thanks to all who make days and events like this possible! It included peanuts with two life-size peanuts saluting and waving to the crowd, festival fun with a moving Merry-Go-Round, and of course red, white, and blue colors featured throughout to recognize that Saturday, November 11 was Veteran's Day!

Also on that same day, Graceville resident Riko Jones, owner of Mike Jones Salvage and Towing in Graceville, won first place in this year’s NPF Demolition Derby! Jones will be known as the 2023 Peanut Pulverizer!

Congrats to all!