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Families Bite Into a Western Slope Tradition

by KREX News Room
by Amanda Brandeis

Story Created: Aug 18, 2012 at 10:30 PM MDT

Story Updated: Aug 20, 2012 at 8:53 AM MDT

PALISADE, Colo.- The 44th annual Palisade Peach Festival celebrates the world famous peaches grown right in our backyard.

The peaches may be fuzzy and delicious, but they can also bring out the competitor in some people. "The last piece, I didn't take two bites, I just took one big bite," said Jaedon Denham, one of the peach eating champions.

Colorado National Bank hosted the contest. Joe Carpenter, vice president of the bank, said, "Each contestant had one peach and it was about how fast they ate it. I believe the fastest time was about 13 seconds."

Peach lovers young and old fought for the glory of being peach champions. The contest was just one of the many activities featured at the annual Palisade Peach Festival. There was also a train ride for the kids.

Peaches stole the spotlight, mixing in with other food favorites like ice cream and pie.

Not only is the festival a fun time, it's an opportunity to pay tribute to the beloved sweet Palisade peach. Owner of Z's Orchards, Carol Zadrozny, said, "It's all about peaches. It's all about Palisade. It's all about ag and just being so grateful to live in this wonderful valley."

Loren Griffiths, a festival attendee, said, "It brings smiles to everybody. When everyone comes here they say it gives them something to do. Olathe has a sweet corn festival, this is sort of like that."

"A great tribute to Palisade. It's such a beautiful community and it celebrates the orchards and vineyards. It's a great place to come along the river on a beautiful summer day and enjoy the fruits of the area," said Carpenter.

Sunday is the last day of the Palisade Peach Festival. It is held at Riverbend Park in Palisade.

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