Annual festival is peach-perfect for lovers of the fuzzy fruit
Niagara-on-the-Lake gets ready to hold one of its sweetest celebrations
Behold the humble peach. Sweet, succulent and great in pies. Ah yes, pie.
And on Saturday, Aug. 11, the Old Town heritage district will be home to everything peach, especially those luscious treats concocted by residents and entered into the Best Pie competition at the annual Niagara-on-the-Lake Peach Festival, put together by the Niagara-on-the-Lake chamber of commerce. The festival is the first in a series of three peach-related celebrations on the weekend.
“The peach pie competition is going to be bigger this year,” chamber president Janice Thomson. “A lot of people want to come out and compete with their neighbours. It’s a real small town thing.”
And that fits in nicely with the feel of the celebration, Thomson said.
“It reminds everyone of what their roots are,” Thomson said. “It’s about learning the different ways we can use peaches. The growers give people a lot of ideas.”
Now in its 28th year, the event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., has changed little from its early days.
“It’s tried and true,” Thomson said. “Everyone looks forward to it.”
In addition to the pie contest, the days will feature a sidewalk sale of the merchants from the Queen Street area as well as lots of tasty delights from local bakeries and restaurants and local growers selling fresh peaches.
There will also be live entertainment provided by a number of musical acts including the Toronto All-Star Big Band at noon. The Ben Show, a street performer for all ages, will also be on hand for the festivities.
The festival complements a peach festival at St. Vincent de Paul Church which will be held Sunday at 73 Picton St.
Queen Street between Victoria and King streets will be closed to traffic to accommodate the chamber event.
On Sunday, the chamber will again be shutting down Queen for its annual Shades of Summer Dinner.
About 600 people have already signed up, Thomson said.
“Everybody just likes being outside. We’re asking people to wear summer colours — peach, lime green, white,” Thomson said.
Tables of eight are $280. Participants are asked to supply their own dinner, tablecloth, dishes, cutlery, table settings, napkins; glassware and table decor. Wine can be preordered.
For more information, visit www.niagaraonthelake.com.