Dancin' Dave, Human Peanut

Headland, Alabama

"Dancin' Dave" Whatley was born near Headland 1927 and danced around the streets of his hometown for decades. He had an uncanny ability to appear out of nowhere -- "magical" was a word often used -- wearing a white suit, white parade gloves, and a white sailor cap with the word "DAVE" on it, then breaking into fancy footwork. Surprised audiences would give him some change or a few dollars.

Headland, part of the "Peanut Capital of the World" along with neighboring Dothan, decorates its street corners with large fiberglass peanut sculptures customized to resemble local professionals and classic characters. Debbie Yurevich, one of Dave's fans, thought that he should have a peanut, too. She set up a Facebook page, solicited friends, raised money, and oversaw the peanut's unveiling on July 18, 2015.

It's unusual to see a large peanut with human arms, but they are modeled after one of Dave's classic dance poses.

Dave attended the peanut's dedication. He didn't really understand it, Debbie told us, but he did recognize himself. Happy with the attention, apparently satisfied that his legacy was secure, Dave passed away only two months later, age 88.