By STEVEN CALHOUN/Staff Writer

Peach Park has been named a finalist for the 2016 Alabama Retailer of the Year awards. Mark Gray and his family will be honored October 18 in Birmingham by the Alabama Retail Association.

Clanton’s Peach Park is one of 13 finalists for the Alabama Retailer of the Year Awards and has been nominated in the $1 million to $5 million annual sales volume category. Janice Hull from the Chilton County Chamber of Commerce nominated the Grays and Peach Park for the award, which recognizes outstanding retailers who have demonstrated growth, innovation, and a commitment to their communities.

Peach Park prides itself in being family owned and operated. Three generations of the Gray family currently work at the park. Frances Gray still makes the homemade ice cream the park is known for. Her sons Mark and Derek manage Peach Park, and their children work there as well.

“You can always count on family,” said Mark Gray. He attributes this year’s success to the hard work of everyone at Peach Park. He believes their hard work met with good opportunities this year due to a good peach crop, low gas prices, and high traffic to the Park. “Social media is a big part of our success this year, too,” said Mark. You can find Peach Park at facebook.com/peachparkclanton.

When asked how he thinks winning Retailer of the Year would affect business at the park, Mark said that he hopes new customers come to see what makes Peach Park stand out from other places.

The Alabama Retail Association is currently holding a contest on social media to support local stores. The winner will get a $300 gift card for themselves and one for the store they shop at. See facebook.com/alabamaretail for instructions.