Write-Up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett

Things should be just peachy tonight in Manchester, Connecticut where the 63rd Annual Peach Festival is being held from 6-8 p.m. Put on by Eighth Utilities District Fire Department, this is a no frills, albeit popular hometown festival that revolves around tasty bowls of peach shortcake topped with whipped cream. 

Lines usually start forming well before 6 p.m. and snarl along Main Street down the hill to the old fire station on the corner of Hilliard and Main, where the peachy treats are served to festival-goers. Seating is outdoors, family style at long rows of tables set up in the department’s parking lot across the road on the opposite corner of Hilliard and Main Street. Addison Station, an acoustic pop group, is scheduled to perform. And don’t be surprised to see some campaigning politicians make appearances. Last year, Miss Connecticut also stopped by.

Tickets have been on sale at the fire building on Main Street and can be purchased at the festival. Proceeds go to support the department. For more information call 860-643-7373.

Obviously, organizers are doing something right – people come back year after year. A nice addition would be having peach festival T-shirts for sale.