Happy 25th anniversary to Wilbraham's Peach Festival
Date: 8/18/2009
WILBRAHAM Twenty-five years ago a group of committed citizens made the decision to celebrate the values of small-town life in Wilbraham by instituting a festival, the Peach Festival. In the years since, there have been some changes to the festival - initially taking place on Labor Day weekend at Minnechaug Regional High School, it is now in August at Fountain Park, but it serves essentially the same purpose now that it did in 1985.
This year's festival will take place Aug. 21 through 23 at Fountain Park. There are still fireworks and a parade, so make plans now to come out and join in the fun!
Schedule of Entertainment
Aug. 21:
3:30 p.m.: Drumocracy eight young performers entertain with their original music and skits
4 p.m.: Clark Seibold's band presenting original soul/funk music
5 - 5:30 p.m.: Vocal contestants in the "Wilbraham You Have Talent" contest: Naomi Leslie and Kayla Pelletier
6 - 6:30 p.m.: Returning from 2008 Peach Festival, vocalist Kim Parker
6:45 - 7:45 p.m.: Gordon MacPherson and his band
8 - 10 p.m.: Karaoke with John Laviolette
Aug. 22:
Noon: Martial arts demonstration presented by the U. S. Tae Kwon Do Center
1:15 p.m.: The Belchertown Twirlers, nationally recognized baton twirlers
3 p.m.: Tanglewood Marionettes performance of "The Fairy Circus"
4 - 5 p.m.: Local radio personality Brad Shepard presents comedy and song
5:30 p.m.: Colin Geaghan, 2009 winner of "Wilbraham You Have Talent," performing with friends Madeline and Caitlin
7:30 - 10:30 p.m.: Music by the Crescents
Dusk: fireworks display
Aug. 23:
7:30 - 11 a.m.: Peach pancake breakfast music provided by John Laviolette, DJ
10:45 a.m.: FlippenOut Productions
11:30 a.m.: Music by Julia Grace Feinberg and friends
12:30 p.m.: FlippenOut Productions
1:30 p.m.: The Lisa Martin Band
2:45 p.m.: FlippenOut Productions
3:30 p.m.: Classic rock by One-Eyed Jacks
5:15 p.m.: Closing ceremony
Children's Stage Entertainment
Make sure you spend some time in the children's entertainment area on Saturday and Sunday. There will be some outstanding performances for children of all ages that will be presented free of charge on the Children's Stage.
On Saturday at noon, Mad Science of Western New England will present a spectacular science-themed show designed to amaze and entertain young audiences. Get ready to be mystified and amazed by the Mad Scientist as he presents the highly interactive and educational show, "Funtastic Forces."
At 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Paul Richmond will be on hand to juggle his way into your heart. He has a way of teaching good values to our youngsters while juggling. The audience will gain an appreciation for the art form of juggling. His performance is very participatory and fun for the whole family, with a focus on building self esteem and having fun!
At 3 p.m. we'll enjoy small animals and reptiles from the Lupa Zoo, a conservation and education institution demonstrating the value, beauty and interdependence of all living things. You'll be able to get up close and personal with a few of the creepy, crawly creatures that will be visiting us from the zoo. It promises to be both entertaining and educational.
Join us Sunday at 12:15 p.m., while we are entertained by wildlife rehabilitator Tom Ricardi. He'll be bringing some beautiful feathered friends for us to enjoy. Ricardi will be sure to provide useful and interesting information about his magnificent birds of prey.
If magic is what you're looking for, then look no further. On Sunday at 1:30 p.m., Steve Rudolph will be on hand to mystify and amaze us. When Rudolph combines magic with comedy, mime and music, it's more than just a magic show it's a magical experience. Does everyone get involved? Just watch all the hands go up when Rudolph asks for volunteers. This show is sure to be enjoyed by the whole family.
Our final performance will take place at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Enjoy the music of Roger Tincknell. He'll mesmerize you with his songs, stories and anecdotes. Tincknell will have the audience singing, dancing, clapping, stomping and even yodeling along. Be sure to wear your dancing shoes and be prepared to have a great time.
