The Town of Acushnet is less than an hour away from the Back Bay, and is the heart of Massachusetts peach growing. Fifteen musical groups, playing soft rock, R&B, show tunes, country and rock, will perform hourly at this year’s festival, which is slated for the weekend of Sept. 11-13.
Staying true to its original purpose — promoting local orchards — the festival will feature area produce. Braley Orchards, Peters Orchards and Flying Cloud Orchards will offer apples, peaches, cider and pies. The peach cobbler will be made by the Historical Society, and organizers promise it is “the best around.” A variety of snacks, meals, beer and wine will be served.
“Nobody goes away from (the festival) hungry,” festival committee member Sue Picard said. “There’s pie and cobbler, bloomin’ onions; you just never stop eating all day.”
Seventy booths will display the wares of craftsmen from around the country. For children, there will be a dunk tank, bungee-jumping game, moonwalk and other activities.
On Sunday, the parade will start at 10 a.m. at Pope Park and end at the festival grounds, the Long Plain Museum at 1203 Main St., where trophies will be awarded for the best floats. The Miss Apple Peach pageant participants will march.
The gates will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Parking and admission are free; shuttle buses run frequently from the middle school parking area.