Each summer near the end of August things get peachy in Manchester, Connecticut.

The 64th Annual Peach Festival held by the volunteer portion of the city’s firefighters, the Manchester 8th Utilities District Fire Department, is on tap for Friday August 23, from 6-8 p.m.

Summer isn’t summer in the “City of Village Charm” until the peach festival banner goes up in front of the old firehouse on lower Main Street. In the past the festival was set-up in a parking lot across from the old firehouse, but this year the location has been moved to the parking area behind the new firehouse a few hundred feet up the road on 138 Main Street.

What hasn’t changed is the menu. Each year the fire district puts a call out to the community for volunteers to help cut the fresh peaches that top bowls of buttermilk biscuits lathered with whipped cream – by the firefighters themselves. This is the district’s biggest annual fundraiser.

Tickets are $4, and according to published information, buy not only a piece of peach shortcake but a chance to win one of more than a dozen prizes donated by local businesses. Tickets can be purchased at the door. The band 384 East is scheduled to perform.

This is a wholesome, hometown event; a tradition among locals that also draws folks from many surrounding towns, as well as, campaigning politicians.