Vendors are the heart of Peanut Festival
The 44th annual Peanut Valley Festival begins Oct. 21-22 at the Roosevelt County Fairgrounds in Portales. The main attraction is the approximately 100 vendors under one roof in the Roosevelt County Events Arena.
Peanut Valley Festival has long been known as the largest and best arts and crafts show in Eastern New Mexico and West Texas. People mark the date on their calendars each year as the place where they start their Christmas shopping.
R Diane Martinez, of Bosque Farms, has been bringing her distinctive style of black pottery to Peanut Festival for decades. She’s developed a solid following for her work here but she comments every year that she just loves to come back because the people are so nice.
Warren Funk of Portales, who crafts horseshoes and other items into art and jewelry, has also made setting up shop at PVF a priority. Be sure to check out his seashell jewelry items as stocking stuffers or his whimsical PVC sculptures for a special gift.
Fine arts also makes an appearance at PVF with artists like Portales watercolorist Judy Mowrer and the local Los Pintores art league back after many years.
A variety of gift items from various booths will be available with t-shirts and jewelry to soaps, candles, skin care products and clothing on tap.
For those looking to take home a little taste of Portales, the Portales Woman’s Club will have their booth chock full of nuts, peanuts that is, along with various peanut candy treats including peanut patties, peanut brittle as well as salted and raw Valencia peanuts grown in this area.
While you’re inside the events arena don’t forget to stop by the Goober Gallery, displaying artwork from area students with the subject matter being peanuts. After your browsing grab something to eat or drink and enjoy the continuous entertainment outside on the stage and dance slab.
Sponsors of this year’s event are Hampton Farms, Yucca, EDF Renewable Energy, Alta Terra,
U.S. Bank, Walmart, New Mexico Bank & Trust, Wheeler Mortuary, Xcel Energy, Hunton Insurance Agency and the New Mexico Peanut Growers Association.
Admission is free and parking is available on the west side off Boston Ave. as well as the south side of the fairgrounds off Lime Street. Handicap parking is available inside the grounds with placard displayed. The entertainment stage moves inside the Pavilion if weather is bad. For more information contact the Chamber at (575) 356-8541.
