A remarkable monument known as the “Big Peanut” has once again made its presence known along a Georgia highway, nearly five years after it was tragically destroyed by Hurricane Michael in 2018.
The successful revival of the “Big Peanut” was made possible through a GoFundMe campaign that raised funds to rebuild the original structure. The monument was officially installed on June 12, 2023, and was dedicated on July 20, according to the Associated Press.
While the original monument was constructed using fiberglass, the new “Big Peanut” is made of durable sheet metal, a choice that the creators hope will provide better resilience against future weather events.
First erected in 1975, the peanut monument is situated near the town of Ashburn, Georgia, which is home to approximately 9,000 residents and has a significant farming community.
Ashley Miller, the executive director of the Ashburn-Turner County Chamber of Commerce, described the monument as a symbol of home and identity for the small town. Miller emphasized the significance of the peanut monument, stating, “When you mention the peanut, you’re talking about our town.”
The Ashburn-Turner County Chamber of Commerce managed to raise almost $80,000 to finance the reconstruction of the colossal peanut statue. The Georgia Department of Agriculture and generous donations from Turner County residents contributed to the fundraising effort.
A GoFundMe page established in October 2018 highlighted the importance of the Big Peanut monument in the region. The page organizer, Sarah Mastrario Cook, expressed how the monument serves as a reminder of the hardworking farmers who dedicate their time to feeding the world, particularly peanut farmers.
Georgia significantly contributes to peanut production in the United States—nearly 50% of the country’s peanuts are cultivated in the state, according to the Georgia Peanut Commission’s website. Consequently, the giant peanut serves as a symbol of pride for the peanut belt region and attracts tourists to Ashburn.
Cole Sercer, a resident of Rebecca, Georgia, and owner of Sercer Machine & Fabrication, spearheaded the rebuilding of the peanut monument. Sercer explained that while the new statue maintains a similar appearance to its predecessor, it incorporates a metal pole and frame encased in customized sheet metal panels, enhancing its structural integrity.
The newly restored “Big Peanut” is adorned with a brown and beige paint job and features LED lights that illuminate the monument at night. The construction process for the 5,000-pound monument required approximately 700 to 800 hours of labor.
Ashley Miller envisions the new Big Peanut as an even more tourist-friendly attraction. She plans to create a designated “selfie spot” for visitors to capture the best angles of the monument, providing them with memorable photo opportunities.
In conclusion, the triumphant return of the “Big Peanut” monument after its devastating destruction is a testament to the resilience and pride of the Ashburn community. The reconstructed monument not only serves as a symbol of the town’s identity but also represents the hard work and dedication of Georgia’s peanut farmers.
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