July might be the second hottest month of the year on average in Texas, but for folks visiting Weatherford on the second Saturday everything's peachy keen.
And peachy ice cream, peachy pie, peachy cobbler. Whatever you can think of that can be peachy, odds are it will be in downtown Weatherford July 8 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on July 8 in the 38th Annual Parker County Peach Festival.
This year the event area has been expanded by over 25%, making even more room for over 200 art, craft food and activity vendors will be on hand, including some from across the United States. There will be the Annual 42 Tournament at the Doss Heritage & Culture Center, the Peach Fest Art Show is already up at the Doss Center, and the Peach Pedal Bike Ride is back again this year being organized by the United Way of Parker County.
Oh, and the Peach Fest Food Competition is always a crowd favorite.
Expansion is good, because on average 40,000 visitors come to town for the event.
"We are always looking for ways to expand," Weatherford Chamber of Commerce President Tammy Gazzola said. "Also the growth of the additional events, such as Peach Week, highlighting the local peach goodies has created a lot of interest post-COVID."
In 2020 when there was no actual Peach Festival because of the COVID 19 pandemic. Instead, officials opted for a Peach Week with various "peachy" activities throughout the week at local establishments. Now, even though the Festival has returned in full form, the treats at the local establishments remain popular.
"We love seeing all the peachy treats throughout town!" Gazzola exclaimed. "Don’t make me choose one favorite, because I have many favorites around town."
Just to mention a few of her favorites - and the choice of many other folks:
"You will find lots of peachy treats like peach salsa, peach tea, peach cheesecake, peach candy and so much more," Gazzola said.
The peach ice cream, in particular, always draws a crowd. After all, what's better than ice cream on a hot summer day? And it is a Peach Festival, of course.
"I have not been invited to help with the making of the peach ice cream, but I know it is a favorite every single year. The volunteers and staff at Couts Methodist Church work for weeks leading up to the event to provide that sweet treat for attendees," Gazzola said.
And, of course, you can eat just plain ol’ juicy peaches, complete with the fuzz.
The night before the Festival will be the annual food competition at All Saints Anglican Church's Barlow Hall, 125 S. Waco St. Entries are accepted from 4-6 p.m. for $5 each with a limit of one entry per person. Each entry MUST contain peaches.
The awards ceremony is Saturday at noon on Stage 1 in the First Baptist Church parking lot.
"The food competition is a crowd favorite and the competition is fierce," Gazzola said.
There will also be live entertainment on two stages throughout the day, featuring local talent.
The morning of the Festival is the Peach Pedal Bike Ride. The ride will begin in the parking lot of Weatherford High School, located at 2121 Bethel Rd, Weatherford. The 61-mile ride starts at 7:30 a.m., the 39-mile ride starts at 7:45 a.m., and the 28-mile and 8-mile rides start at 8 a.m.
Over 2,200 cyclists regularly participate in the ride.
Gazzola said the peach crops are once again good this year.
"We’ve been in contact with three orchards that will be attending and they are looking forward to the day," she said. "My personal peach tree is covered and looking like ready for picking around the first of July."
Hutton's Peach Farm provides many of the peaches for the popular event each year and will do so again this year, owner Peggy Hutton said.
"We are happy to let you know these spring rains are making this a good year for peaches," she said. "We have been a part of the Peach Festival since the very first year and continue to be an integral part by providing peaches."
The Huttons provide peaches for the Peach Pedal bicycle ride also. They provide peaches to Couts for the ice cream. Also, various businesses buy peaches to sell during the festival, not counting the huge amount they sell at their own booth all day.
Why is the event so popular that more folks than the entire population of Weatherford flock to town each year. Gazzola has a very simple answer.
"A great event for the whole family," she said.
With all those people, however, comes precautions. It is, after all, July in Texas, and it is not uncommon for temperatures to hit triple digits.
"We have several hydration stations throughout the festival to keep folks hydrated, several misting tents and cool down stations," Gazzola said. "Coming early is always a great idea to beat the heat."
Parking, admittedly, can be a challenge. For easy transportation to the Festival, hop on one of the air-conditioned shuttles from the Weatherford School District Ninth-Grade Center, Weatherford College or Heritage Park to be dropped off at one of the Festival entrances.
Saturday, July 8
Downtown Weatherford
8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Over 200 art, craft food and activity vendors will be on hand, including some from across the United States.
The Annual 42 Tournament at the Doss Heritage & Culture Center, as is the Peach Fest Art Show.
The Peach Pedal Bike Ride is Saturday morning, beginning in the parking lot of Weatherford High School, 2121 Bethel Rd, Weatherford. The 61-mile ride starts at 7:30 a.m., the 39-mile ride starts at 7:45 a.m., and the 28-mile and 8-mile rides start at 8 a.m. Over 2,200 cyclists regularly participate in the ride. Visit www.peachpedal.com.
The Friday night before will be the annual food competition at All Saints Anglican Church's Barlow Hall, 125 S. Waco St. Entries are accepted from 4-6 p.m. for $5 each with a limit of one entry per person. Each entry MUST contain peaches.
Admission: $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 5-12. Advance tickets for easy entry, along with more information on everything Peach Festival can be found at www.peachfestivaltx.com.
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