DUBLIN — For 25 years, the Dublin Peanut Festival Committee’s focus hasn’t wavered — it’s all about community.

“We’re all about our community, especially giving back to our local schools,” said committee member Bobbie Todd. “We try to help out with the schools, where the Board of Education stops. They can’t do but so much, so we try to help when they can’t.”

With that purpose in mind, the group holds two annual events — the Dublin Peanut Festival in the fall and the Oyster Roast & Fish Fry in late winter. Members are gearing up for the latter this weekend. On Saturday, the group will be serving up steamed oysters, fried whiting fillets, hush puppies, slaw, dessert, and tea or water.

“Our desserts are all homemade,” said Todd. “Home. Made. By some of the best cooks in our community. It’s good stuff.”

The oysters for the sit-down meal come out of Conway, S.C., from what Todd called a “mega supplier” of seafood to restaurants in the Myrtle Beach, S.C., area.

“They’ve been in business for 40 years, and everything they sell to us is fresh,” Todd explained.

She added, “We have plenty of help, so all this good food is going to stay piping hot.”

Last year, the effort netted $2,150 for the group, and they’re hoping for an even bigger turnout this year in order to continue contributing to the many needs in Bladen County. Monies raised are used, among other things, to offset the cost of a $2,000 scholarship awarded to a graduating senior from West Bladen High School who will be attending Bladen Community College. The scholarship is given to help students pay for tution, books and other expenses.

“The proceeds of these two events (Oyster Roast and Peanut Festival) have allowed the committee to help with numerous worthwhile causes throughout the county,” stated Todd.

For more information on the contributions of the Festival, go to dublinpeanutfestival.com and check out the “About us” section.

The Dublin Peanut Festival Oyster Roast & Fish Fry will be held Saturday, Feb. 25, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lu Mil Vineyard, located at 438 Suggs-Taylor Road in Dublin. Todd noted the cutoff time was a change from original plans.

Tickets may be purchased in advance for $35 at Lu Mil Vineyard (910-866-5819) or from any Peanut Festival Committee member. Tickets will also be available at the door for $40. For additional information on the upcoming event, call 910-876-4884.

Chrysta Carroll can be reached by calling 910-862-4163.

By Chrysta Carroll

ccarroll@civitasmedia.com