The Artful Peanut, Saturday, July 31st, Opening Ceremony

Opening Ceremony at 9:30AM Poplar Grove Director Nancy Simon introduced speakers: Congressman Mike McIntyre, National Peanut Board Member Dan Ward and Pender County Tourism Director Monique Baker. Mr. Ivey Hayes, North Carolina's own (and favorite) artist unveiled "Peanut Harvest" and signed works sold in the gift shop. Cindy Rhodes played the hammered dulcimer throughout the day, a beautiful accompaniment. Incredibly creative bakeries Half Baked Confections, La Gemma, and Sugar on Front Street offered peanut butter banana tarts, cheesecakes and treats to die for. The Carolina Peanuts booth was HQ for peanut lovers. Volunteers passed out free t-shirts and other goodies, provided by the National Peanut Board. Anniversary cake donated by Sugar on Front Street.