I think we should call them the “Goobers” – the first ever Peanut Academy Awards presented at the Southern Peanut Growers Conference in Panama City last week.

The Master of Ceremonies for the event was Mr. Peanut himself, Tyron Spearman, and the presenters were some of the biggest stars in show biz – from yesteryear and the present.

Presenters included Tom Cruise, Bette Midler, Michael Jackson, Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin, David Letterman, Tom Selleck, Audrey Hepburn, W.C. Fields, Mae West, and Clark Gable.

Here is a partial list of the categories and the winners:

Charitable Efforts: Glen Lee Chase of Ogelthorpe, GA
Best Dressed: Jimmy Watford
Print Ad: Chris Thompson family of Alabama
Best Male Dancer: David Reed (pictured here with Michael Jackson)
Best Female Dancer: Nola McMullian
Best Documentary: Peanut Farmers Sustainability by the National Peanut Board
Best Educational Program: Peanut Institute
Best Group No One’s Heard Of: Syngenta Soul Team
Second Favorite Syngenta Rep: Frank Moore
Best Actor: Gene Roney of Georgia
Best Actress: Rosemary Corte

And the Humanitarian Award for 2009 went to …………. America’s Peanut Farmers for their outstanding efforts in helping to feed the nation’s hungry with the most nutritious and delicious natural food in the world!

Hats off to everyone and have another great year!

Make sure you check out the 2009 Southern Peanut Growers Conference photo album for more fun photos.