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Even after 43 renditions, it’s hard not to get excited about Suffolk’s Peanut Festival, the 44th edition of which cranks up Thursday at Suffolk Executive Airport.

Long-running community events can get to be ho-hum experiences for locals, who, frankly, get bored by the routine. That’s never been a problem for Peanut Fest, which still excites Suffolkians young and old.

Maybe it’s the time of year. Autumn puts pep in our step and makes us eager to throw on some jeans and get outside after the dog days of summer. Peanut Fest is perfectly timed to oblige.

Maybe it’s the affordability. Admission is $10 per person. On Thursday, opening night, an entire carload of up to eight can gain entry to the festival and ride unlimited rides for just $50. It’s hard for a dad, mom and kids to beat that bargain, especially given the plethora of entertainment options for all ages once on the festival grounds.

Maybe it’s the variety that festival organizers work hard to create. Every year, there’s something fresh to pique our curiosity. This year will bring a poignant opportunity to reflect on one of nation’s darkest chapters, the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, and to salute the first responders who responded so heroically then and continue to keep our community safe today. The Tunnels to Towers Foundation’s mobile exhibit and museum should be a “must see” for every festival-goer.

Regardless of the reason, folks keep showing up in droves year after year — over 100,000 people strong in a year when the weather cooperates. (For what it’s worth, the long-range forecast for this year’s festival is looking dry, if a bit chilly: daytime highs in the low 70s Friday and 60s Saturday and Sunday, lows in the 40s each night. With Hurricane Ian to be long gone by then, there’s only a slight chance of rain each day.)

To get the full scoop on this year’s festival, be sure to pick up Wednesday’s News-Herald, which will feature a 24-page special edition packed full of everything you need to know about the Peanut Festival.

It’s one of our most popular editions of the year, made possible by incredible advertising support and this community’s ongoing enthusiasm for its signature event, the Suffolk Peanut Festival.