Peanut Fest 2009 had its unofficial kickoff on Thursday with the crowning of this year’s Peanut Fest Queen.

Nansemond-Suffolk Academy Senior Elizabeth Hampton Scott was crowned the Peanut Fest Queen at the Queen’s Luncheon and Fashion Show Thursday afternoon at the National Guard Armory.

Scott will make her first appearance as Queen this Saturday at the Peanut Fest Parade, and she will be at Peanut Fest throughout next weekend.

Mayor Linda T. Johnson spoke at the luncheon this year, and said the annual event was a welcome reminder of autumn, Suffolk’s legacy and the upcoming Peanut Fest.

“It’s just a really fun time and a fun afternoon,” Johnson said. “It’s a tradition and a great part of who we are.”

Additionally, Cathy Richards, chairman for this year’s Peanut Fest, spoke to the audience, and presented the lineup and schedule for this year’s festival.

Hundreds of local community leaders, Suffolk residents and Pilot Club members were on hand Thursday for the annual event, which serves as a community fundraiser as well as crowning affair each year.

Wednesday afternoon, more than a dozen volunteers, including Lydia Duke, Ellen Drames and Angie Twiford, served as models for a special fashion show provided by Denison’s.

In less than 30 minutes, the models showed off 39 outfits with a total retail value of about $5,000.

Along with ticket sales to the event, Pilot Club members sold decorated centerpieces for proceeds to benefit local community causes.

Johnson praised the Pilot Club for all of its work in putting on this luncheon every year, and she congratulated Scott and the rest of the 2009 Peanut Fest Court for all of their achievements.

“Not only are you all beautiful, but you are civic-minded,” Johnson said. “I just think it’s great to have that kind of talent in our city and to have that talent be so young.”

For more information on this year’s Peanut Fest Queen and Court, pick up the Suffolk News-Herald’s Peanut Fest Guide this Sunday.