Peach Festival week is always filled with exciting events and this year is no exception.

A fishing tournament, art show, numerous beauty pageants, barbecues, cooking contests, a parade and a peach auction are a variety of events that will attract thousands of people to our community next week. It is tough to single out any one event as a favorite and I hope to attend and participate in several.

Friday night’s Peach Jam, sponsored by the Chilton County Chamber of Commerce and many area businesses and organizations, could prove to be the largest single event of the festival. More than 90 vendors have purchased booth space at the Jam and plan to offer a wide variety of merchandise and food items.

The Jam is a great time to see friends, enjoy a hotdog or two and enjoy free entertainment that includes performances by Southern Pride, Chilton County High School’s Blast from the Past cast, Soundshifter and Act of Congress.

NASCAR fans will have the opportunity to see the National Guard’s car that runs in the Nationwide racing program and a playground area will be set up for the younger set.

There is no admission to the Peach Jam and festivities are scheduled to begin at 5:45 p.m. along portions of Second Avenue and Sixth Street.

I’ve attended every Peach Festival since 1976 and hope to continue for years to come. The festival brings recognition to the many peach and other fruit growers in Chilton County who have worked hard to make Chilton County peaches famous throughout the Southeast. Many hours goes into planning and carrying out Peach Festival events every year. I appreciate those who give their time to make the festival a success.

– Mike Kelley’s column appears each Weekend. You can reach him at mike.kelley@clantonadvertiser.com.