The 57th annual Palisade Peach Festival wrapped up in Palisade, Colorado, on August 16, drawing thousands of visitors to celebrate the region’s famous fruit harvest. This two-day event at Riverbend Park featured live music, food vendors, contests, and family activities, boosting local businesses and highlighting the area’s agricultural heritage.
Festival Highlights and Activities
Crowds gathered for a mix of fun and flavor during the festival, which ran from August 15 to 16. Attendees enjoyed peach-inspired dishes from local chefs, who showcased creative recipes in a special cuisine throwdown. Live bands played throughout both days, creating a lively vibe that kept people dancing and mingling.
Families took part in games and contests, including a popular peach-eating competition that drew cheers from onlookers. Vendors sold fresh peaches, handmade crafts, and other local goods, while food trucks offered treats like peach cobbler and pies. Organizers noted that the beautiful weather on August 16 helped make the event a hit, with many visitors coming from across Colorado and beyond.
The festival also included farm tours, where people rode buses to nearby orchards to learn about peach growing. These tours connected attendees with farmers and gave a glimpse into the hard work behind the harvest.
Economic Impact on Palisade
Local leaders praised the festival for its role in supporting the town’s economy. Palisade relies on its peaches as a key product, known worldwide for their sweetness and quality. The event brings in tourists who shop, eat, and stay in the area, providing a vital boost during the summer season.
Mayor Greg Mikolai highlighted how the festival and related activities, like the Sunday farmers market, help keep the community thriving. Without the peach industry, he said, Palisade would lose much of its economic strength. This year’s turnout was strong, with estimates suggesting thousands attended, leading to increased sales for small businesses.
Recent data shows that Colorado’s peach production contributes millions to the state’s agriculture sector each year. In 2025, favorable weather led to a bountiful harvest, allowing farmers to supply plenty of fruit for the festival and beyond.
Here is a quick look at the economic benefits:
| Aspect | Details | Estimated Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor Spending | Tourists buy peaches, meals, and souvenirs | Over $500,000 in local revenue |
| Job Creation | Temporary roles in vending and events | Supports 100+ seasonal jobs |
| Tourism Boost | Draws from other states | Increases hotel bookings by 30% |
Community and Celebrity Involvement
The festival kicked off with Peach Days events starting August 6, including a parade, a Just Peachy 5k and 10k run, and a Lions Club pancake breakfast. These lead-up activities built excitement and drew early crowds to downtown Palisade.
Governor Jared Polis made a notable visit, picking peaches at Talbott Farms and praising the farmers for their work. His stop underscored the importance of local produce in Colorado’s food scene. Community members also enjoyed an ice cream social and a street dance, adding to the festive spirit.
Social media buzzed with posts from attendees sharing photos of juicy peaches and fun moments. One highlight was the Guns vs. Hoses competition, where local firefighters and police faced off in friendly games.
Harvest Season and Peach Varieties
Peach season in Palisade typically runs from late June to early October, with different varieties ripening at various times. This year’s harvest started strong with early clingstone peaches around late June, followed by mid-season freestones like Red Haven in July and August.
Farmers reported a good yield thanks to mild weather, though they always watch for challenges like late frosts. The festival celebrates this cycle, reminding everyone of the effort that goes into growing these fruits.
For those interested in peach types, here are some popular ones from Palisade:
- Early season: PF 1 and PF 5D Big, ready by early July.
- Mid-season: Blazing Star and Glohaven, peaking in August.
- Late season: O’Henry, harvested into September.
Looking Ahead to Future Festivals
As the 2025 event ends, organizers are already planning for next year. They aim to add more interactive experiences, like expanded chef demonstrations and perhaps new contests. The festival remains one of Colorado’s oldest agricultural celebrations, drawing on over a century of peach-growing tradition.
Visitors who missed this year’s fun can still enjoy Palisade peaches at local markets or through online orders from farms. The success of the 57th festival sets a high bar, with hopes for even bigger crowds in 2026.
Share your favorite moments from the Palisade Peach Festival in the comments below, and pass this article along to friends who love summer events. What peach recipe will you try next?
