In brief, the annual Plains Peanut Fest will be on Sept. 28. Festivities begin with a 5k run in the morning (Jimmy presents trophies to all), a cool Parade at 11 am, a book signing by the Carters in the afternoon, rides for kids, junk food, free peanuts, etc. Jason, Amy, Jeff and Chip often attend. A few years ago I had a blast hearing Chip describe smoking weed with Willie Nelson on the White House roof. As far as the stories about the Allman Bros — my lips are sealed but back in the day Jimmy was usually in bed by 9:00 PM and there just might have been some partying in the White House. Mr. Jimmy turns 95 on Oct. 1 and there way be advance birthday celebrations. On Sunday morning President Carter will conduct bible study and often comments on current events. To get a seat in Marinatha Baptist Church one must arrive well before dawn.
Plains is about 3 hours south of Atlanta. Americus is the nearest “big” town. The area is home to the National POW Museum at Andersonville and the Carter Boyhood Farm National Park Unit. There are many affordible motels in Metro Plains but only an always booked B & B in the town itself.
Of course, Peanut Fest is free and public. At most you will pay $5 for parking. Peanut ice cream is featured and the Billy Carter Museum will be open. Last year I got a chance to review some of the letters sent to Billy from the great Johnny Cash about recovery from alcoholism.