Looking Back...Peach Festival

As you are probably aware, the 89th Peach Festival scheduled for this upcoming Labor Day weekend is canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It has long been an annual event, but you may not know some of the histories behind it:

  • In 1931 the Peach Festival began by local orchards and merchants to promote the peach harvest.
  • The Festival was canceled from 1942 to 1945 during WWII.
  • The continuance of the Festival was in doubt in 1951 due to a lack of funding.
  • Thankfully, the Romeo Lions stepped in and have since planned, organized, and supported the Festival.
  • It is the 2nd oldest Festival in Michigan.
1951 Romeo Lions Club float


Did you know that the Romeo Community Archives has a Peach Festival Collection? Access a catalog of the collection HERE. Or you can schedule a visit to see photographs, newspaper clippings, and more.

View and download a copy of the first Peach Festival program HERE.


Visit romeoobserver.org to view online editions of The Romeo Observer newspaper from 2002 through 2015. You will find photos and events documenting past Festivals.

Visit https://romeopeachfestival.com/


Check out the 2020 Autumn Harvest magazine sponsored by The Record newspaper for more Peach Queen photographs (1931 to 2019), Festival history, etc. 


2014 Peach Queen Kaitlyn Krimmel and 2005 Peach Queen Jessica Foltz


Virtually reminiscing is one way to celebrate. However, it is the personal stories that are the real treasures. What are your most memorable moments of past Peach Festivals? Email julie.rcarchives@gmail.com; become a part of local history!