Turner County residents and World’s Largest Monument enthusiasts across the state will be delighted to learn that the iconic Peanut Monument, a symbol of pride and a testament to Georgia's agricultural heritage, has been faithfully reconstructed and is ready to grace the landscape once again.

Residents and visitors alike are cordially invited to attend the ceremony, Rededication of the Big Peanut, scheduled to take place on July 20th at 7 p.m. This momentous occasion will not only commemorate the reinstatement of the cherished monument but also pay homage to the remarkable agricultural heritage of Turner County and the enduring spirit of its people. The Big Peanut is located at 315 Whittle Circle, Ashburn, Ga 31714 – on the business side of Exit 82 off I-75.

Erected in 1975, this monumental structure stood 20 feet tall, serving as a fitting tribute to the vital role of peanuts in Turner County's economy and the lives of its farmers. The monument was dedicated to the memory of Nora Lawrence, a cherished journalist who served as the editor and co-publisher of Ashburn's esteemed local newspaper.

In 1998, the fiberglass legume gained official recognition as the state of Georgia's official peanut monument, further solidifying its significance. The Peanut Monument even achieved international recognition when Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher captured a memorable selfie in front of the illustrious nut, subsequently sharing it with their followers on Instagram. It was even featured as a clue on the national television show Jeopardy. Undoubtedly, the peanut became an instant landmark.

Ashley Miller, Executive Director of the Ashburn Turner County Chamber of Commerce is planning the Big Peanut Rededication Ceremony along with a team of volunteers.

“So many people have told me growing up they knew they were home when they saw the Big Peanut on the Interstate. It really represents so much to so many people here, it’s more than just a nut,” said Miller.

Sadly, in 2018, the devastating Hurricane Michael wreaked havoc as it tore through the region. Already in need of repair, after its nearly 50-year reign, The Big Peanut Monument, like many other structures, fell victim to the destructive force of the storm.

Turner County Young Farmers lead the local charge to recover using A GoFundMe that raised $4,730 from folks near and far. Turner County Art Council donated nearly $12,000. Families even requested that donations to the Big Peanut were even made in lieu of flowers for their loved ones passing. Still, the estimated restoration was well over what was raised.  Thankfully State Senator Carden Summers partnered with the Georgia Department of Agriculture to donate $55,000 in July of 2022, which was followed by an additional donation of $10,000 from AgGeorgia Farm Credit.

With the necessary funds secured, the search commenced for the ideal candidate to undertake this important endeavor. Then interim County Manager Nick Denham found the perfect match in Cole Sercer, a skilled resident of Turner County and the owner of Sercer Machine and Fabrication. Assisted by Justin Dallas and Jake Rice, Sercer devoted approximately 800 man-hours to crafting a 16.5-foot-tall sheet metal replica of the peanut, complete with an exquisite crown to sit atop the existing base.

 "We needed someone with the talent, the means, and the willingness to take on the job probably no one’s ever done before," said Denham, expressing his gratitude to Sercer and his team, “I’m proud we were able to find someone from Turner County to do the work and not have to go out of state for it.”

Sercer, said of his work, “It was built with an English wheel, each piece of metal had to be hand bent and shaped to get the curves in it just right.”  

 The Rededication of the Big Peanut is open to the public and will take place on July 20th at 7 p.m. and will feature several speakers and a commemorative gift until they run out.