eat a peach
Hill Country town welcomes peach season with fruity festival and rodeo
Peach season is upon us in Texas.
Update: This story previously stated that Saturday's events would happen on Sunday. It now reflects that there are no Sunday events.
Peach season has begun in Texas. Get ready to start seeing the fuzzy little fruits at farmers markets and on seasonal menus. Austinites who just can't get enough of the sweet stone fruit can take about an hour's drive out to Stonewall, Texas, for the 63rd annual Peach Jamboree and Rodeo from June 21-22.
Things actually kick off on Thursday, June 20; The first day eases folks into the festivities with a slack rodeo (i.e. unofficial events that spilled over from a very full rodeo schedule) at 8 pm and live music by dance hall band Wagon Aces at 10 pm.
The official rodeo starts the next day, Friday, at 6 pm, with mutton bustin' — children riding sheep as an adult would ride a bull — and an introduction to contestants vying for the title of Peach Queen. After some other rodeo events, attendees are left to dancing to live music by red dirt country band The Great Divide.
Saturday is a much fuller day; A judged parade starts at 10 am, and a baking, preserve, and salsa contest starts at 10:45 am. Among the day's activities are many ways to eat a peach — including eating and pit spitting contests — plus barbecue for sale, pro rodeo events, and more live music. Saturday night's dance tunes are provided by popular country group the Josh Abbott Band.
Since the events on Thursday and Friday start relatively late, attendees should have an easy time driving in that day. However, there is lots to see around Stonewall, for those who'd like to take a full weekend getaway. There are several wineries nearby including William Chris Vineyards, known as one of the best wineries in the world; Pedernales Cellars, which has live music earlier in the day on Saturday; and Becker Vineyards, known for its lavender fields, which are in season in May and June.
Tourists who want something other than wine can consider stopping by Garrison Brothers Distillery, the first legal distillery in Texas and a very popular maker. A nonalcoholic trip can also be made to the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site, the birthplace of the president and an interesting ranch to check out even if history isn't your strongest subject.
Tickets for the Peach Jamboree and Rodeo ($25 for Friday or Saturday, $40 for the weekend) are available via stonewalltexas.com. Check carefully for ticketing details including discounts and free Saturday daytime entry. The event is located at Stonewall Chamber Grounds (250 Peach St.).
