The &uot;Outdoor Channel&uot; will be at Suffolk’s 27th Annual Peanut Fest on Saturday, Oct. 9, from 2 to 7 p.m., and on Sunday, Oct. 10, from noon to 5 p.m.

Producers are looking for local talent to host a segment of their program.

Auditions will take place at the festival grounds located at Suffolk Executive Airport, just off Route 13. The festival runs from Oct. 7-10 and it’s packed with plenty to see and do.

As for the Outdoor Channel auditions, &uot;Motor Moose&uot; who will be reviewing auditions for the &uot;Win Your Own Fishing Show&uot; contest.

You will have two minutes in which to audition to host as episode of your own fishing show and it will be aired on the Outdoor Channel. Semi-finalist’s auditions will be posted on the Outdoor Channel’s website for pubic viewing.

Auditions are free and participants must be 18-years or older to enter the contest.

Every audition participant will receive an Outdoor Channel fishing cap for their entry into the contest.

Larry Underwood, the Chairman of the 27th Peanut Fest, said the Outdoor Channel auditions are just one way in which you can come out to the site of Suffolk Festivals’ premiere event, Peanut Fest to enjoy action packed, exciting events.

Just the schedule of entertainment makes obvious the fact that Peanut Fest

has something for everyone.

&uot;This year, the 300-plus volunteers have worked hard to bring some of the best in entertainment,&uot; said Underwood. &uot;For instance, we have the group, Poco, on the Main Stage on Friday, Oct. 8th, and on Saturday, we have the national recording star, Edwin McCain. On Sunday, Rachel Proctor and Jimmy Wayne will perform some of their latest hits.

&uot;Those are the headliners, but Peanut Fest will be filled with musical performances by area high school bands and choirs as they stroll all through the festival grounds showing off their musical talents.&uot;

The 2004 Peanut Fest kicks off Thursday, at 3 p.m., with the Suffolk Ruritans’ &uot;27th Annual Shrimp Feast,&uot; an event that draws more than 5,000 people to experience one of the hottest parties in the city of Suffolk.

People come out to enjoy tons of shrimp, cooked fresh on site with Old Bay seasoning, fried chicken, barbecue and all the trimmings, and not only do they get their fill of food, but the music they provide is nothing less than great.

This year, the Ruritans invited the groups, &uot;Island Boy,&uot; the &uot;Rhondel’s,&uot; and &uot;Southern Blend.&uot; There will be plenty of dancing as they all give one of their exciting performances that have made them &uot;in demand&uot; throughout the region.

Anyone who hasn’t purchased a ticket for this event can find them at many local businesses throughout the city including First Federal Savings Bank at 1703 N. Main St., Bennett’s Creek Pharmacy, 3219 Bridge Road; Oliver’s Grocery at 1328 Holland Road; Mike Duman Auto Sales at 2300 Godwin Boulevard; and Physical Therapy Works, Inc., 2007 Meade Parkway.

There are many other locations throughout the city. You may also call 539-6300 for tickets.

As always, funds from the Shrimp Feast are returned to the community in the form of donations to more than 60 local organizations and scholarships for students.

The Peanut Fest opens at 2 p.m., and the day will be filled with ongoing amusements and rides galore. Nansemond River High School’s Marching Band will be there to exhibit their musical talents throughout the day.

On Friday, look for special &uot;Kiddie Day Activities&uot; in the Gooberland Family Area. That kicks off at 10 a.m. and it’s sponsored by Duke Automotive and Sentara Family Care.

Thursday is also the date for Senior Day activities up until 1 p.m., and the city’s schools will provide entertainment on the Harvest Family Stage.

At 6 p.m., things get a little more exciting with the Nationwide Demolition Derby, sponsored by General Rental Center and B&B Auto Parts & Crushing.

Lakeland and Nansemond River High Schools will again provide music

throughout the evening, and they will end up performing in the 2nd Annual

Battle of the Bands at 7 p.m., sponsored by Ciba Specialty Chemicals.

On Saturday, the City of Suffolk’s Department of Tourism begins the day with

the &uot;Swamp Roar,&uot; an event that has become a favorite in Peanut Fest activities.

The event takes motorcyclists 70-miles around the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and it has always proven to lend an air of excitement to the festival.

Peanut Fest opens their gates at 8 a.m. Thursday, for registration to the first sanctioned Horseshoe Tournament, which takes place at 10 a.m.

Also at 10 a.m., look for the Bingo tournament, hosted by Portsmouth FOP; the World’s Largest Peanut Butter Sculpture, sponsored by Producers Peanut Co. Inc.; the Horseshoe Open Competition, sponsored by Parr Funeral Home and hosted by the Portsmouth Horseshoe Club.

At 11 a.m., the Talking Phone Book will sponsor the Peanut Gourmet Cookoff; and at 1 p.m., look for an exciting Air Display from the City of Suffolk.

Meet the Peanut Fest Queen and Suffolk’s Mayor Bobby Ralph, and others in the Peanut Butter Sculpting Contest at 2 p.m. At 7 p.m., everyone is invited to participate in the 2nd Annual Karaoke Contest with cash prizes being awarded.

On Sunday, the festival opens with Bingo and rides, including pony rides for

the children. The Horseshoe Competition begins again at 10 a.m., and the City of Suffolk

will again have its Air Display at 1 p.m. and at 2 p.m., visitors to the festival will enjoy a Gospel Sing on the Harvest Family Stage as &uot;Kiki&uot;

Sheard brings her inspired musical talents to Suffolk.

Throughout the festival, there will be many special events and each of them

is listed in the 27th Annual Souvenir Program, a booklet that will be available free of charge at Peanut Fest.

Start your week of fun with today’s Peanut Fest parade beginning at 10 a.m., on West Washington and North Main Streets.