Virginia Peach Festival, 1996 Photo: Arnold Photographics

Virginia Peach Festival

Peaches were already a cultivated crop in what would become Patrick County when English settlers first arrived in Virginia. Referring to the peach trees planted by Native American Indians, the first European land survey at the site in 1748 called the area "Peach Tree Bottom." From a shaky start in early 1930s, the commercial peach orchards have grown to have a significant impact on the economy of the county. In early 1988, the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce devised the idea of a peach festival to promote local agricultural products, offer fun and entertainment to area citizens, and help the Chamber to become self-sustaining. The first festival, held on August 10, 1988, attracted a crowd of 800 people, including Governor Charles Robb, who enjoyed peach cobbler and peach ice cream. In recent years, the festival has featured live entertainment, and attracted local artists and craftspeople, who display and sell their work. Games, face-painting and pony rides delight the youngsters. Documentation includes a history of the peach festival and the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce, photographs, newspaper clippings, and promotional materials.

Originally submitted by: Virgil Goode, Jr., Representative (5th District).

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