I have a confession: I am a true blue lover of all things PEACH! I am lucky enough to have grown up in Romeo where we host the annual Michigan Peach Festival. Peach Fest runs every Labor Day weekend, which butts right up to National Peach Month in August!
The Peach Festival has long been an important part of my family. My great grandparents chaperoned the Romeo Peach Queen in the 1940s, and both my grandfather and father drove fire trucks in the parades as members of the Romeo Fire Department. I was the Romeo Peach Queen in 2005, and I am the current Director of the Romeo Peach Queen Pageant. And now the tradition continues as my four-year-old son is the 2019 Mr. Peachy King! You could say we have peaches in our souls!
The very first Michigan Peach Festival of Romeo kicked off in September of 1931. This is often noted as the event that put the small town of Romeo on the map. This Labor Day weekend marks the 88th anniversary of the festival, and there is no shortage of events in store, as well as no shortage of all things peach. At local stores and orchards, you can find peach versions of candy, donuts, cider, wine, and a number of desserts. The chocolate covered peaches are my favorite!
The festival kicks off on Thursday, August 29 and runs through Monday, September 2. There are multiple events taking place each day, including a carnival and three large craft shows. You will also find lots of great places to eat and tons of family fun! There is also adult-only fun with two refreshment tents located on the fairgrounds with great drinks and concerts each night.
Here are a few highlights:
Peach Festival 28th Annual 5K and 10K Run and 5K Walk on Thursday, August 29
This annual tradition is an event for all ages and continues to grow each year. Awards are given in each gender and age groups for each different race option. Not only is a great chance to get some exercise, but the event route shows the beautiful scenery that makes Romeo great. There is a small registration fee for the race that includes a commemorative shirt.
Peach Festival Fireworks on Friday, August 30
It’s the second year of this new tradition. The fireworks are being hosted at Crystal Diamonds. Entry is free, and the fireworks will set off around 9:30 p.m./dusk. The rain date is Saturday, August 31!
Mid-Michigan Mini-Tractor Pull Competition on Friday, August 30 and Saturday, August 31
This free event takes place at Westview Orchards and Winery. Furthermore, local residents bring their tractors and test their pulling strength, using a sled provided by the Mid-Michigan Mini Tractor Pulling Association. It’s an entertaining family event at a wonderful location.
KIDSFEST on Saturday, August 31
Located in Romeo Village Park, KIDSFEST is a totally free event for kids 12 and under. There are several different games and relays that children can participate in, including the water balloon toss and a peach pie eating contest. Kids can also take a ride on a choo-choo train, visit with a clown, and listen to entertainment from a local show choirs.
Peach Festival Classic Car Show and Charity Car Cruise on Sunday, September 1
The Classic Car Show kicks off at 8 a.m. at the Romeo Ford Engine Plant. Cars from all over will line the parking lot for what can be hours of fun checking them all out! The cars from the show leave the plant and head into downtown Romeo for the Charity Car Cruise that rolls out at 7:30 p.m.
Night Parade on Sunday, September 1
Following the car cruise is the night parade (formally know as Mummers Parade). During this event, local organizations and groups have fun dressing up and getting into the theme, this year’s being “Dancing in the Street.” The parade kicks off at 8 p.m.
Children’s Parade on Monday, September 2
The Children’s Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. and heads through downtown Romeo. Local businesses and organizations dress up and prepare their vehicles to match this year’s theme of “Cartoons.” There are fire trucks, dance troops, Boy and Girl Scout organizations, and, of course, the Romeo Peach Queen on hand.
Labor Day Hometown Parade on Monday, September 2
The Floral Parade is somewhat of a symbol for the closure of the festival each year. The parade steps off at 1:30 p.m. and spans almost two full miles. Businesses, organizations, and individuals come from all over to participate in this long-standing tradition. The parade kicks off with the Grand Marshall, which is an honor given to a local individual who has made a big impact on the community. There are lots of smiles, and even more, candy to catch as the floats roll by!
For a full list of events, be sure to check out the Romeo Peach Festival site or the new Discovering Romeo site!
