Festival season has started and there is no better way to celebrate than with a Peach Festival! Texas is the perfect place to enjoy some of the most popular fruit festivals held throughout the summer. Whether you are a local or visiting from out of town, these festivals are sure to make your summer extra sweet. They offer a variety of activities such as pick-your-own fresh peaches, live entertainment, delicious food, and fun for the whole family. So if you’re looking for a festive way to celebrate the summer, look no further than the Peach Festivals in Colorado.
Festival Summary
The Parker County Peach Festival is a special event held every year on the second Saturday of July in Weatherford, Texas. The festival originally began in 1985 and has since become a celebrated tradition in the county. The festival celebrates the locally grown peach crop and features over 200 arts, crafts, food and other activity booths. In 2023, it’s going to be held on July 8th, 2023.
During the festival, vendors set up booths around the Parker County Courthouse to offer a variety of products and services, including delicious peach-based treats such as peach ice cream, cobbler, pies, and juleps. Visitors to the festival can also enjoy live music, children’s activities, and the annual Peach Pedal Bike Ride. Each year, the festival attracts thousands of guests and is a great way for families and businesses to come together for a memorable, peachy good time.
History of this event
The Parker County Peach Festival is an annual event held in Weatherford, Texas, beginning in 1985. Managed by the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce, the Festival celebrates the local peach industry and showcases the talents of the community. Attendees can enjoy a variety of peach-themed foods, live music, children’s activities and more. The 37th Annual Parker County Peach Festival will take place on Saturday, July 8th, 2023, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
The Festival has something for everyone, from the Peach Pedal bike ride to the “”42″” Domino Tourney. Over 200 arts, crafts, food and activity booths will be set up around the Parker County Courthouse. Additionally, the Festival will feature live music, children’s activities and the chance to sample delicious homemade peach ice cream, peach cobbler, peach juleps, peach tea and more.
There are also free shuttles, misting tents and Oasis Spots available to keep visitors cool. With its rich history and something to offer everyone, the Parker County Peach Festival is an event not to be missed!
Discovering the Basics: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
A ticket is not needed for the Parker County Peach Festival, however advanced registration is required for the Peach Pedal bike ride. The festival is free to attend, but there are fees for food, drinks, crafts, and activities. There are also fees for the food competition and the ’42 Domino Tournament back then in 2022.
The opening time for the festival is 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday, July 8th, 2023. Parking is available at several offsite locations, and free shuttle buses are provided to take attendees to the festival grounds. There are also handicap accessible parking and shuttle locations available. Security is present on the festival grounds, and there are several misting tents to help attendees stay cool throughout the day. The Parker County Peach Festival is a great way to celebrate the local peach industry and the Parker County community!
Parking & Shuttle Service
Those planning to attend should take advantage of the free shuttle services available from several locations around the town, such as the 9th Grade Center, Weatherford College, and Heritage Park. Parking is also available in these locations for those attempting to drive. The handicap parking is available at the Ninth Grade Center and the North & South East quadrant of the square
Best Food in the Parker County Peach Festival
The festival is famous for its peach-based foods, such as peach cobbler, peach ice cream, peach juleps, peach smoothies, peach pie, and more. All of these dishes are available at the booths located around the Parker County Courthouse. There is even a food competition with categories such as ice cream, cakes and cupcakes, savory dishes, jams and jellies, and cobblers. The competition includes a $5 entry fee and all entries must have some content of peaches. In 2022, they also announce the award on the day of the festival on the Peach Festival Grounds at the Main Stage on the corner of Waco & Church.
The Parker County Peach Festival also features two separate children’s areas with a variety of attractions such as carousels, Tubs of Fun rides, bounce houses, a maze, and a Choo-Choo train. At the children’s areas, attendees can find typical fair foods like hotdogs, slushies, cotton candy and popcorn. There are also more peach-themed snacks like peach floats and peach popsicles.
Where to bring Peach back home
Once you have sampled all of the amazing Parker County peaches, you will want to bring some home with you! You can purchase peaches from any of the vendors located throughout the festival. Many vendors will be selling peaches already husked, washed and bagged – making it easier to transport them back home. You would be able to buy peaches at Palo Pinto St., Bridge St., York & Dallas and Waco St. You can also purchase wooden crates filled with peaches for taking a larger amount back home. Bring along a cooler with cold packs, so you can keep your purchases fresh until you get home. Remember to pack your peaches carefully, so they don’t get crushed and damaged in transit.
Peach Pedal Festival and Food Competition
Parker County Peach Festival feature a Peach Pedal Bike Ride and Food Competition on the festival day! The Peach Pedal Bike Ride starts at the Weatherford High School parking lot, offering four different rides with distances from 8 to 61 miles and staggered start times to accommodate all participants.
Registration opens on May 1, 2023, with various fee options depending on when you register. Early registration (before May 31st) is $35, followed by a $40 fee between June 1-30, and a $45 fee from July 1-6. In-person registration on July 7 is also $45, while registering on the day of the event will cost $50. Your registration fee not only supports local non-profits and the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce, but it also includes route access, a snazzy T-shirt, cool swag, prizes, snacks, rest stops along the ride, and, of course, plenty of peaches.
In addition to the bike ride, a food competition will be held, featuring an array of peach-infused creations. Categories include ice cream, cakes, cupcakes, savory dishes, jams, jellies, and more. Participants are required to incorporate peaches into their entries and can enter up to two categories. Entry forms must be submitted by Friday, July 8th, with winners announced the next day at the Peach Festival Grounds.
The Peach Pedal Bike Ride and Food Competition offers a unique opportunity for friends and family to come together, engage in outdoor activities, and showcase their culinary skills. By participating in this event, you’ll not only be part of a cherished summer tradition but also contribute to the support of local non-profit organizations.
Three Things you should know before you go!
The Parker County Peach Festival is an annual event held the second Saturday of each July in Weatherford, Texas. In 2023, it’s held on July 8, 2023 (Saturday), mark your calendar! It’s located in Historic Downtown Weatherford, Texas.
There are also two stages for entertainment, food competition, bike rides, and a domino tournament. If you are keen to join the Peach Pedal Bike Ride and the Food Competition, please make sure you sign off earlier. The Bike Ride registration will be starting on May 1st, 2023, check here for the registration and the fee. For the Food Competition details, you can check here out too.
For more information on the Parker County Peach Festival and to purchase tickets, visit their official website at www.parkercountypeachfestival.com.