The community of Palisade is feeling just peachy, soaking up the remaining days of summer and the best time of the year–peach season. On August 15th and 16th, the town of Palisade held their 57th annual Peach Fest at Riverbend Park to celebrate the sweetness of the most loved product of Palisade.
This festival offered a multitude of recreational activities that all ages could enjoy. Vendor markets sold local goodies, ranging from honey and jams to, of course, peaches. Live music from local artists like The Oxymorons and Desert Flyers could be heard far and wide from the Peach Jam Stage. Patrons danced hand in hand, barefoot, and with huge smiles on their faces.
Peach Fest certainly attracts the entirety of the Grand Valley, but it also appeals to surrounding states like Utah and Wyoming. Senior Belen Mendez notes there was even a vendor from Virginia. The widespread attraction to this event truly reflects how inviting Palisade’s culture is, and how delicious the produce is too.
National Honors Society (NHS) volunteered during the festival by serving and setting up dinners, and working on surrounding tasks like parking. NHS advisor Ms. Stout says, “NHS is involved with all different kinds of communities. At Palisade High School, in Palisade, and in the Grand Valley, we are involved. We like to give our time, energy, and hours in all of those places.” Other school organizations, including Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), the Marching Band, and Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), volunteered as well. Mendez explains, “I helped at the stand to fundraise for FBLA. We are raising money for upcoming events like Districts, State, and Nationals. We are a bit underfunded and these fundraisers help us a lot.” Mendez confirms that the fundraiser went well and every attendant of Peach Fest was incredibly kind, further reinforcing the sweetness of Palisade.
Ms. Stout concludes her takeaways from this year’s celebration, “It’s what makes our community perfect.” Or in this case, just peachy!
