(WKYT) – The self-proclaimed “Peanut Butter Smearer” in Somerset has gained attention online.
The trend has sparked concerns about potential dangers for people with severe allergies.
In a since-deleted Facebook post in a Somerset community group, users claim they’ve found peanut butter smeared on their doorknobs.
On the TikTok account, @somersetpbsmearer, videos show the person in the act.
The smearer struck the Pulaski County Fair Tuesday, according to fair officials. A video shows someone spreading peanut butter on surfaces at the fairgrounds.
Rebecca Cash, who is married to the fair board president, said the treasurer opened the door to their office Tuesday night.
“When my treasurer walked out the door in front of me, she said, ‘I have something all over my hands,’” Cash said. “And you know you look at it, you don’t have any idea what it is. And she’s like, ‘I think it’s peanut butter.’”
While the incident seemed like a prank at first, Cash said she is concerned it could be dangerous for people with serious allergies. Especially since the smearer struck multiple areas of the fairgrounds.
Cash, who is also a teacher, said peanut allergies can be serious. She said schools take extra precautions when a student has a peanut allergy.
“I had a group of kiddos for a three to five year period that self carried epi pens because their allergy was so severe,” she said.
Compared to a school building, thousands of people come through the fairgrounds every night it is open.
“The scary realization hit that someone could’ve walked up here that has a severe allergy to peanuts,” Cash said. “So I kind of got a little worried at that point.”
The fair runs through this weekend. Cash said she wants fairgoers to be extra aware if the smearer strikes again.
“If you see something on a doorknob, a latch, a fence post, say something to somebody,” she said. “You know, it may not bother you, you may not be allergic, but the three-year-old that’s three people behind you could have a severe allergy.”
Cash said the fair will remain open until Saturday with several events ahead, including a rodeo and sea lion show.
“We would just invite everyone to come out and visit the fair. Please don’t be scared of the peanut butter situation. Again, if you see something, say something to somebody, let us know,” Cash said. “We want to try to fix that as quick as possible.”
WKYT reached out to Somerset Police about the pranks but has yet to hear back.