What’s Happening at the 2017 Peach Festival

 

As always, all activities are free, courtesy of our sponsors and partners.  Items of special interest to children are shown in bold type.

 

The Parade on Broad and Main Streets begins at 9 am.  It always includes an

exciting variety of bands, antique cars, fire equipment, costumed participants, performing groups, noise, horses and color.

 

Middletown Historical Society Booth at Cochran Square

Volunteers from the Middletown High School Band Boosters will assist in selling peaches, and Peach Festival T-shirts and aprons.  They will also help with information, directions, and recruiting members.

Historical Society Museum and Grounds at the Academy Building (216 N. Broad St.):

Museum:  · Downstairs visit our two exhibits, “Reflections of Middletown,” an interesting collection of depictions of local people through the ages using various media, and a new one on daily life in Middletown 100 years ago, emphasizing our role in World War I, both in military service and on the home front.  We have done lots of new research on all the men and women who served from this area.     · Upstairs we have a new small exhibit called “Living Together” in which we explore the racial and ethnic history of this area.  You can still visit the small exhibit we call “Downtown Abbey” to show what people wore and how they lived in the Middletown area during the 1910’s and 1920’s. Visit the permanent exhibits on the history of the local peach industry, and a recreation of a 19^th century schoolroom where children can sit at old fashioned desks and practice cursive writing. There’s also a children’s touch-it room with old-fashioned toys.·  After visiting our exhibits, be sure to request a coupon for a free peach (or vanilla) ice cream cone, courtesy of Hy-Point Dairies, a Peach Festival sponsor.  Hy-Point Dairy Farms took part in our very first Peach Festival. ·  MOT Senior Center will be selling whole pies and serving slices and desserts in the meeting room downstairs (call 302-378-4758 for availability).  ·  Buy the Arcadia Press nostalgic photo book Middletown and receive a one year free individual or family membership to the Middletown Historical Society ·  Peach Festival T-shirts will be for sale.  · The museum building is air conditioned, and has several rest rooms open to the public. Handicapped accessibility to the first floor is via a ramp at the back of the building.

Rear parking lot: 

• A lot full of children’s free, games, inflatables and fun is being provided by Jump on Over, our main Peach Festival booth sponsor on Cochran Square.

Front lawn:  

• Victorians of Virtue and Valor

Step back in time and take a stroll on the front lawn with the Victorians of Virtue and Valor, who are dressed in 1860’s attire.  Play games familiar to families of the Civil War period.  Watch the soldiers drill as they practice firing their rifled muskets.  Craft a kite to take home and fly when you catch a breeze.  Make sun prints with your children as they learn about photography. 

 

• The Fort Delaware Society will provide literature and handouts on the sensational Civil War island stronghold.

• The Fort Delaware Cornet Band will be in the parade and then will be giving two short concerts in front of the museum, one at 11 a.m. and one at 1p.m. The Fort Delaware Cornet Band is a crack musical organization that dresses in Civil War era uniforms and plays rousing period marches.

                                                                                        

The Gibby Gallery: Demonstrations.  Participate in the People’s Choice exhibit, Midsummer Night’s Dream, and the Art Raffle.  Enjoy fresh peach cobbler.  See student artwork and the Summer Art Camp Time Machine creation.

The Annex:  Women’s Resale Boutique in the Annex with all proceeds going towards The Everett and The Gibby.

Grace Church (On Pennington Square)

Special appearance, 11 a.m.  Come see and hear the Philadelphia Mummers’ Woodland String Band.  Take pictures and selfies of yourself  and the family with this celebrated and colorful band.  Grace Church is one of the best kept secrets at the Peach Festival.  Grace features Gracious Entertainment which will include a mix of Praise Bands and acoustic style music.  Children should check out “J.P.’s Toy Station” and the bracelet craft table.  Everyone is welcome to drop in for a refreshing bottle of water, or sit and relax in our air-conditioned dining area, along with the comfort station.  Children, big and small should be on the lookout for our Misting Station, in front of the church on Pennington Street.  Dogs are welcome to the Misting Station also – just make sure you bring your owner.

Connection Community Church (Located across from the Middletown Fire House: Fun for all ages!  Come and enjoy the giant inflatables, obstacle courses, Bird Show 11:00 and 1:00) and children’s activities and games both inside and out. You just can’t miss out on the popcorn, snow cones, ice cold water, clean restrooms, baby changing station, pet watering station, and air conditioned rest areas available from 10 am to 3 pm. All Free! All Day! Just show up!

 

Volunteer Hose Company:  The Middletown firemen will host an open house that will showcase fire safety and best practices.  The stunning VHC fire engines and equipment will be displayed along with demonstrations, and information.  Comfort station.

Boys and Girls Club:  The Boys and Girls Club will again host an open house at their location next to Cochran Square.  There will be children’s toys, activities and coloring books, offering parents and kids a chance to cool off in the air-conditioned building.  Comfort station.  Talk with staff members about programs and activities available to your youngsters.

 

Senior Center:

            8 am to 3: Pre-ordered pies may be picked up (must have receipt)

9 am:  Doors open

11 am:  Peach Pie Contest

3 pm:  Car show trophy winners

All day:  ·  Music at the bandstand     ·  Car show at the bandstand.  Trophy categories are:  Best in Show, People’s Choice, Vintage Antique, Antique, Classic (to be awarded by votes of attendees).     ·  Lunches          ·  Home made peach pies and peach desserts (get there early).   These are also available at the Historical Society Museum (Middletown Academy bldg.      ·  Jams, jellies    ·  Gifts; gently used jewelry and purses.