Parker County Peach Festival canceled, but Weatherford finds a sweet replacement

What could be better than a day celebrating famous Parker County peaches?

How about a whole week?

The Weatherford Chamber of Commerce announced the cancellation of the annual Parker County Peach Festival, scheduled for July 11, because of the coronavirus pandemic.

But Weatherford is not canceling the celebration.

Instead of having thousands in a confined space around the town square, people will be able to spread out with the first Parker County Peach Week from July 11-18. Weatherford Chamber President Tammy Gazzola said details must still be ironed out, but visitors can still expect an array of peach-flavored goodies and lots of fun.

The Peach Festival, which has annually been held on the second Saturday in July, has been arguably Weatherford’s most renowned event and was set for its 36th consecutive year. The 2019 event drew more than 60,000.

Highlights of the annual festival include more than 200 arts, crafts, food and activity booths, along with live music, children’s activities, the Peach Pedal bike ride, and a “42” Domino Tournament.

Other popular attractions include the food competition, peach ice cream made locally for years by the folks at Couts Memorial United Methodist Church and ... of course ... peach cobbler.

Gazzola said part of the week will involve highlighting local businesses and vendors, including a Facebook Live sale.

“Think of Peach Week as one part Peach Festival and one part stay-cation, with the entire focus on family, food, and fun, all while highlighting local businesses to help reinvigorate our local economy in a manner that is consistent with local, state, and federal guidelines,” she said.

Updated information on Peach Week can be found at facebook.com/parkercountypeachfestival and www.peachfestivaltx.com.