DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN) -- The 81st National Peanut Festival is officially in full swing.

Gates opened to the public at 4:30 p.m. Friday afternoon, and the night really kicked off with a ribbon cutting at the front gates at 6:00 p.m.

"We are excited about this weather, it's the first time in four or five years that we have had actual festival weather," Said NPF President Phillip Tidwell.

Planning for the big festival started after last year's ended.

Within the last two to three weeks, Reithoffer Shows began putting up rides for the fair, as well as conducting a series of tests.

"Reithoffer uses a third-party inspection for the liability side of things, and they are very thorough. They have been playing us for many years," explained Tidwell. "They put an emphasis on safety. If they see some

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