Everybody Loves a Parade!

Beginning with the first Peach Festival in 1931, parades have become a treasured annual event in Romeo. Entering a float in the parade gave local orchards and businesses a way to promote their harvests and wares. The floral parade, as it was known then, had elaborate floats. In his book, The Romeo Peach Festival, author David McLaughlin describes the "unusual route, starting at Tillson Street to North Main Street, west on Gates Street, then to Prospect Street, to West St. Clair Street heading east, and ending at Railroad Street" (p. 16).

The first place float in 1931, featured the Cherry Queen, Maxine Weaver, from the Traverse City, Michigan, Cherry Festival.

The second place prize went to Hillcrest Orchards. Notice the large peach and "Juliet brand" of peaches.

The third prize featured a large pirate ship float from Mountainview Orchards.

Everybody loves a parade, and Romeo is no exception! 

Don't miss the upcoming Peach Festival parades of 2018:

• Sunday, September 2nd: Night parade
• Monday, September 3rd: Children's parade - 10 am, Hometown parade - 1:30 pm

For more 2018 Peach Festival event information visit http://romeopeachfestival.com/ 

For more interesting Peach Festival history and photos, check out McLaughlin's book at both the Kezar and Graubner branches of the Romeo District Library.

Photos courtesy of the Romeo Community Archives