What’s the best tonic for the folks who missed all the fun that had been planned for last weekend as a result of the storm systems that dumped nearly nine inches of rain on some parts of Western Tidewater?

Peanut Fest!

That’s right, the annual celebration of the legume that put the city on the map takes place this weekend at the Suffolk Executive Airport. The festivities started Friday, with the traditional Suffolk Ruritan Club Shrimp Feast kicking things off from 3 to 7 p.m. In an effort to keep the nosh from becoming Mud Feast, organizers have moved the shrimp-and-entertainment event from the grass onto the tarmac.

Peanut Fest features great entertainment throughout the day and into the night Thursday through Sunday, along with everything from a midway to camel rides to the ever-popular demolition derby. The silent disco tent will be back for a repeat performance, along with chalk-art and hot wings contests, karaoke, a petting zoo, face painting, a cornhole tournament, a tractor pull and tons of other fun.

Be sure to arrive hungry, because even after the Shrimp Feast is over, there will be plenty of good food from vendors with everything from barbecue to crab cakes to fried Snickers bars.

For more information and schedules, visit www.suffolkpeanutfest.com.

We’ve all been cooped up for too long by the weather lately. Come to Peanut Fest and shake off the cabin fever. We’ll be looking for you.