39 Years of Peachy Festivities in Fort Valley

FORT VALLEY, Ga. – Peachy Times are back in Fort Valley! Fort Valley hosted the 39th Georgia Peach Festival in the Downtown portion of Fort Valley on Friday, June 6, and Saturday, June 7. The Peach Festival had numerous events throughout both Friday and Saturday as a way to honor the local peach growers and showcase the city of Fort Valley.

Both days saw festival goers strolling down Church Street, browsing the many vendors lining both sides of the road. There were a variety of vendors, with some selling homemade crafts like wooden birdhouses and handmade soaps.  The Friday Evening Kickoff Party started with AJ the DJ and Tay Cheesy.

The Peach Festival continued bright and early on Saturday morning, starting with the “Fill The Boot For Burns” Pancake Breakfast with the Fort Valley Police Department, which took place at the Fire Department Fire House at 204 West Church Street. 

The Peachy Parade started at 10 a.m. and featured the Fort Valley City Council, the Fort Valley Police Department, the Fort Valley Fire Department, the Fort Valley Utility Commission, Sheriff Robert “Buck” Shannon, the Georgia Peach Queens, Lane Orchards, Pearson Farms, the NoD Percussion, multiple dance troupes, and more. This year’s Parade Grand Marshal was Miss Shirley.

At 11 a.m. the Peach Festival had a multitude of fun events. At the gazebo, the Georgia Peach Queens were formally introduced; Miss Georgia Peach Lily Barfield of Elko, Teen Miss Georgia Peach Ella Reese Hortman of Kathleen, Junior Miss Georgia Emma Armstrong of Perry, Little Miss Georgia Peach BellaKay Murph of Perry, and Tiny Miss Georgia Peach, Bailey Kathleen Smithart of Bogart.

The Historical Society Chicken Salad Lunch started at 11 as well and took place at the McArthur-Saxon House on 201 South Miller Street. Other events included the ‘Eat A Peach’ Contest, the Big Peach Chair, and a Car and Bike Show.

At noon, the Peachy Keen Pup Perfect Pageant started at the Festival Stage. The categories included Peachy King & Queen Pup (best overall), Peachiest Pooch (best dressed), Fuzziest Peach Pup (best coat), Prim Peach (smallest & sassiest), and Freestone Peach (largest & firmest.

The World’s Largest Peach Cobbler was ready for the festival goers at around 2 p.m. The cobbler measures around 11 feet by five feet and is roughly eight inches deep. 

Throughout Saturday, there was live music by artists including the Old Soulz Band, Ladi T, and the S.O.S. Band. The evening ended with a fireworks show around 9:30 p.m.

The Peach Festival will resume in Byron at North Peach Park next Saturday, June 14, from noon to 8 p.m.

For more information about the festival, information can be found on their website at www.gapeachfestival.com or by phone at (478) 825-4002.