More than 35,000 peach lovers descended upon downtown Weatherford for the 30th Peach Festival. Popular attractions featured over 200 food booths, arts and crafts, children’s activities such as boat rides, and live music. The Peach Pedal Bike Ride had 2,227 riders and raised big bucks for various charities.
All entrances into the downtown courthouse square were blocked off with local policeman on hand to help direct walking visitors. The entry fee for adults was $5.00. Businesses and churches offered shuttle service. The church I attend served as one of the rest stops, supplying air-conditioned comfort and ice-cold bottles of water. Twelve dozen bottles were dispensed.
This year, patrons could expect an especially sweet time. Our mild spring, with adequate rainfall, but no late freezes or hail storms, helped Parker County produce a bumper crop. The area’s signature fruit was in abundant supply, ripe for the picking amid the numerous peach vendors.
Our community enjoyed a bumper crop of funds as well as fruit. The admittance fees added up nicely. One church sold individual servings of home-made peach ice cream totaling 40 gallons. One long street of peach vendors sold their wares in baskets of 1 peck, 1 quart, 1⁄2 bushel or 1 bushel. Several reported being sold out by noon.
Local eateries got in the spirit of the event by offering special concoctions. The Wild Mushroom served Parker County Peach Cheesecake. Generously stuffed and glazed with fresh peaches and a hefty splash of peach schnapps, this chilled delicacy was a big hit.
The Fire Oak Grill developed a recipe for seared scallops with butter-poached local onions and pickled Parker County peaches. The chef used local honey, vinegar and sea salt to quick-pickle the peaches.
The Back Home Bakery offered Mama’s Peach Cobbler using a Depression-era recipe. The ingredient list was short and sweet – and rich with real butter and condensed milk – but the taste and satisfaction was long-lasting.
The local Chamber of Commerce president reported all systems functioned smoothly, due in large part to scores of sponsors and volunteers working long hours in almost-100-degree heat.
The festival provided wholesome family-friendly entertainment – and folks got their quota of vitamins C and D.
P.S. Recipes are available on request.
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