Folks are apt to find more than good food and music at the Suffolk Ruritan Club’s annual Shrimp Feast today.

With elections right around the corner, there’s likely to be a lot of politicking taking place over shrimp, barbecue and beer Thursday afternoon at the annual fundraiser that officially opens Peanut Fest 2008.

Roberta McCain, the 96-year-old mother of Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, is reportedly going to be stumping for her son at the Shrimp Feast.

More than 4,000 people are expected to turn out for the annual event, which raises approximately $45,000 that the Suffolk Ruritan Club will invest back in the community over the next year, said Sheriff Raleigh Isaacs.

A dozen or so club members stayed out at the Suffolk Executive Airport site until 1 a.m. this morning cooking the more than 3,000 pounds of steamed shrimp that’s going to be served. People will also be feasting on chicken, barbecue, coleslaw and other trimmings at the event.

The money is donated to numerous organizations, including King’s Kids, Red Cross, Scout troops, Special Olympics, and scholarships programs at the local schools.

“It’s the biggest community event in Suffolk,” said Isaacs, adding that the crowd usually comes from across Hampton Roads.

Tickets to the event are still available.