Taryn Ashby
Williston hosted its 33rd annual Central Florida Peanut Festival on Saturday at Heritage Park.
Previously scheduled for Oct. 1, the festival was postponed to Oct. 15 due to Hurricane Ian.
The event, founded by the Williston Women’s Club, featured over 100 vendors selling clothes, jewelry, food and beverages and, of course, peanuts.
An estimated 8,000 visitors gathered to celebrate the annual festival.
“I am a native to Gainesville, so I have been here before and I love it,” said Miralyz Hernandez in an interview. “The community feel of being able to come here with everyone being so nice and sweet makes the day fun. Also, I think the crafts here are so gorgeous from the wood planks to the unique jewelry.”
The main stage held two pageants — the Mr. and Miss Baby Peanut and the King and Queen Peanut. Braxton Barker was named Peanut King and Calli Hernandez the Peanut Queen. Baby Peanut Queen went to Ava Oliver and Baby Peanut King to Pedro Hernandez.
The Williston Chamber of Commerce held its reverse cash drawing with Jess Hudson winning the $2,000 Big Cash Giveaway prize.
“This was my first time here, and I really enjoyed it,” said Deja Melvin in an interview. “I liked it, everyone has been friendly, and I was able to buy some knickknacks and jewelry.”
