Yes, it is almost always a scorcher in downtown Weatherford for the annual event — which will take place this year on Saturday, July 12. But it’s worth every drop of sweat, as evidenced by the fact that visitors near and far flock to the area on and surrounding the square in Weatherford each year.
For the 40th time visitors and vendors will journey to the Peach Capital of Texas — so designated by the Texas Legislature. They will take in a plethora of activities, buy lots of merchandise, and devour some of the finest peachy concoctions to be found anywhere.
“For 40 years, the Parker County Peach Festival has been more than just a celebration of our region’s sweetest fruit — it’s been a testament to the heart of our community,” Weatherford Chamber of Commerce President Tammy Gazzola said. “Folks keep coming back year after year because of the tradition, the family-friendly spirit, and the sense of home it brings.”
And for those who don’t live nearby, it’s a rare chance to enjoy the peaches from Huttons Farm, who have been supplying the peaches for the Festival since its beginning.
The Parker County Peach Festival is a cherished summer tradition, celebrating Parker County’s rich peach-growing heritage with a full day of family fun, flavorful treats, and small-town charm. Whether you’re a longtime fan or making your first visit, you’ll find plenty to love at this iconic Texas event.
What’s in store
The Peach Festival is more than just tasty peaches — although there are definitely loads of those to enjoy on site or to take home. It’s not uncommon to find folks loading up wagons, for example, to take a bunch home.
But there is also a smorgasbord of delicious peach treats. Visitors can savor a variety of mouthwatering goodies from cobblers, pies, and jams to smoothies and ice cream — all made, of course, with the freshest locally grown peaches.
What better way to savor those delicacies than with some live music with which to sit, chill, and enjoy? Performances across multiple stages will feature local and regional artists.
If arts and crafts is your thing, this is the place to be as well. More than 200 vendors from across the country will be showcasing handmade art, decor, jewelry, and one-of-a-kind creations.
The kiddos aren’t left out. There will be plenty of interactive games and activities, including a dedicated Kids Zone designed just for them.
Food competitions
If you want to do more than simply eat peaches and related goodies, the always popular annual Peach Festival cooking contests are once again on the agenda. For a 10th straight year, the Holland Lake Rehabilitation & Wellness Center is sponsoring the competition, with Texas Gas Service as the awards sponsor.
The competition is open to adults ages 18 and above, along with youths up to age 17. Entries are limited to one per category with a maximum of two entries per person.
Judging categories include cobblers and pies, salsa, cakes and cupcakes, cookies and bars, jams/jellies, pickled foods, savory foods, and ice cream.
The entry fee is $5. Each entry must include the following on a plain 8.5-by-11-inch white sheet of paper (typed or neatly printed):
Name and age (age only required for Youth Division).
Address and phone number.
Full recipe (ingredients with measurements and instructions). Entries will not be accepted without a recipe.
Dishes are to be dropped off on Friday, July 11 from 4-6 p.m. at Barlow Hall at All Saints Anglican Church, 125. S. Waco Street near downtown Weatherford. They are to be picked up by 8:30 p.m. No late entries will be accepted.
Peach Pedal
Once again the Festival will include the Peach Pedal bike ride, benefiting United Way of Parker County. The 37th annual event will begin in parking lot of Weatherford High School, located at 2121 Bethel Road.
The 61-mile ride starts at 7:30 am, followed by the 38-mile ride at 7:45 and the 28-mile ride at 8.
The Peach Pedal is one of the largest fundraising events for the United Way of Parker County and all money raised stays in the community to provide support for families and individuals that need help. They also provide assistance to the following non-profits: CASA, Children’s Advocacy Center, Child Protective Services Board, Center of Hope, Freedom House, Hearts Full of Love, MANNA, Parker County Committee on Aging, Sanctified Hope for Women, and Stars & Strides Therapeutic Riding.
Also…
If you’re more into the sitting type of contests, the Festival includes a 42 Domino Tournament.
And once you’re done competing, you can take a stroll and enjoy the Peach Festival Art Show.
Free parking/shuttle
Visitors can take advantage of free parking and a ride to the Festival in air-conditioned school buses. Transportation is available from:
WISD Ninth Grade Center (The old Weatherford High School), 1007 South Main Street.
Weatherford College, 225 College Park Drive.
Heritage Park, 317 Santa Fe Drive.
Physically challenged parking/shuttle is also available at the Ninth Grade Center, along with the north and southeast quadrants of the downtown square.
Admission
Adult tickets are $10 for the Festival, while children ages 5-12 are $5. Children under age five are free.
For more information, visit www.peachfestivaltx.com and follow the Festival on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks.
“With a wide variety of over 200 art, craft, food, and activity vendors, there’s something for everyone to enjoy,” Gazzola said. “Add to that the unique charm of our local businesses and the beauty of historic downtown Weatherford, and it’s easy to see why this festival continues to thrive and grow stronger with each passing year.”
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