
Peachy Paradise
June 21-22, 2019
About Peach Fest
The Louisiana Peach Festival is a family-oriented event produced by the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, and held each year the fourth weekend of June.
June 21-22, 2019
Subsequent festivals are scheduled for June 26-27, 2020 and June 25-26, 2021.
- Friday, Noon-5pm: No Admission
- Friday, 5pm-10pm: $10
- Saturday, 8am-10pm: $10
- Weekend Pass, Fri-Sat: $15
- Children 9 & Under: Free Admission
- (Civic Center area closes at 6pm both days.)
Pets, other than service dogs, are not allowed at the festival.
PeachFest History
History of the Louisiana Peach Festival
There’s no doubt that the Louisiana Peach Festival brings about a time of excitement in the town of Ruston, LA. From a weekend full of festivities, awesome food, and great laughter, it is an event that you do not want to miss. With great success comes great history that dates back many years.
The festival’s infancy was born in the late 1930s when several commercial peach orchards were located in Lincoln Parish. In 1947, the area peach growers organized the Louisiana Fruit Growers Association. In 1951, the decision was made to promote their industry by spreading word throughout Louisiana and surrounding states of the excellent taste of Lincoln Parish Peaches.
Through extensive hours of planning and sleepless nights for several months, plans to hold an annual Louisiana Peach Festival were placed on the drawing board in June 1951 by J. E. Mitcham, president of the Louisiana Fruit Growers Association, and Walter Smith, chairman of the first Louisiana Peach Festival. Advertisements were placed everywhere from newspapers, to banners, and placards headlining the popular Dixie gem peach.
The first Peach festival was held on June 27-28, 1951, and achieved far greater success than any of the sponsors expected. The event consisted of “Peaches and Posies” flower show, a peach cookery contest, an art show, several athletic tournaments, and the crowning of the First Queen Dixie Gem and Princess Peach.
It was no surprise that the Louisiana Peach festival grew in size and popularity. In 1952, its activities doubled in attendance. In its third year, the festival won national attention when Queen Dixie Gem III, Dorothy Elta Goff, traveled to Washington D.C to present then Vice President Richard Nixon a box of peaches.
After years of success, the festival began taking a turn for the worst as financial issues began to arise. The worsening national financial recession of the early 1980s threatened the future of the festival. In May 1982, three former festival chairmen reluctantly forecast the collapse of the event stating that if additional funds were not provided, the festival's days would be limited. At one time, the state contributed to the Louisiana Peach Festival; however, the festival had been financed independently, and each year the directors of the Association were forced to seek additional sources of money. Through God’s grace, the Lincoln Parish Police Jury and many other individuals came to the aid and the 1982 festival was held.
The uncertain conditions surrounding the 1982 Festival spurred the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce into action. In January 1983, the Chamber voted to accept and sponsor the Louisiana Peach Festival with the Ruston-Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau. Concerns were still questioned on how to fund an even bigger and better festival. By the 1990s, the festival included an arts and crafts show, a rodeo, and the events spread over a 2-week period. The festival continues to draw large number of attendees even though the festival has been shortened to a weekend event. It continues to pump around $2 million in the local economy.
Volunteers
Volunteer Information
The 2018 Louisiana Peach Festival will be here before we know it. We would like to invite you to become part of the single largest event in our community by joining our Volunteer Program.
Volunteering is an excellent way to give back to our community - plus it's just plain fun to visit with folks you haven't seen in a while. The Peach Festival is the perfect opportunity to get your family or your staff to volunteer together in a community-wide event. Our volunteer program partners you with the festival staff and other volunteers to become part of a team that brings the festival to life. The 2018 festival dates are June 22 & 23. There is plenty to do, both behind the scenes, as we get ready for the festival and during the event. Volunteer shifts are three hours. Each volunteer will receive a special volunteer t-shirt and a weekend pass. During the festival, there will be a volunteer tent that will be stocked with cool water, food, and refreshments for our volunteers staff.
Apply Online
We are accepting applications online this year! Visit our volunteer registration sign-up page by clicking the button below.
Applications are processed and assignments made on a first-come, first-serve basis. No applications will be accepted on event days. If you need additional information, please contact the Chamber at (318) 255-2031 or email volunteer@rustonlincoln.org
Orchards
Regional Orchards
North-Central Louisiana offers a peach-perfect climate for growing delicious peaches and other produce. Visit any of the excellent orchards and farms in our region for fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the year.
From I-20, take Exit 84 (Louisiana Tech Exit) and go north until you reach a 4-way stop at West Kentucky Avenue (State Highway 544). Turn left and go approximately 1.75 miles. Turn right on Mitcham Orchard Road (Parish Road 181). Go approximately .5 mile to the fork in the road. The peach shed is in the fork. Watch for Mitcham Farm Signs. They will direct you straight to the Orchard!
Located in Calhoun, Louisiana
(318) 644-0854
Take exit 93 off I-20. Go south on Hwy 145. Cross Hwy 80 and the railroad tracks. Go about 1/4 mile; left on Hwy 556 for about 8.5 miles. Intersects Hwy 144. Left on 144; shed and orchard about 1/4 mile further on right.
(318) 368-0245
(318) 548-9597
anthonyyakaboski@gmail.com
15 miles North of Ruston on Farmerville Hwy (Hwy 33). Peach Stand is on the right side of the highway heading north.
Helpful Links
Events
#LaPeachFest Events
Click a tab below for information about the related events.
Friday
Friday, June 22 Events
All Events Main Events Kids Sports Music
Time | Event | Location |
---|---|---|
8 a.m. | Kids' Fishing Tournament | Lincoln Parish Park |
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Peach Art Exhibit | Ruston City Hall |
10 a.m. | Peach Cookery Contest | Presbyterian Church of Ruston |
12 p.m. - 6 p.m. | Arts & Crafts Show | Ruston Civic Center |
12 p.m. - 6 p.m. | Family Fun in the Park: National Guard video game trailer, Tumbling, Yoga, Martial Arts Demos, Team Gymnastics Award Ceremony, Diaper Derby | Railroad Park |
12 p.m. | Family Fun in the Park: Yoga Demonstration | Railroad Park |
12 p.m. - 5 p.m. | Peachy Play Zone: Game Box NELA Open Play, Face Painting & more | Outside Civic Center |
12 p.m. - 6 p.m. |
Challenge Zone: Rock Climbing, Meltdown & Bungee (prices not included in admission) |
Behind Civic Center |
12 p.m. - 10 p.m. |
Carnival Zone (prices not included in admission) |
Sexton Lot |
12:30 p.m. | Family Fun in the Park: Tumbling Demonstration | Railroad Park |
1 p.m. | Family Fun in the Park: Martial Arts Demonstration | Railroad Park |
1 p.m. | Family Fun in the Park: National Guard Madden 17 Xbox One Competition | Railroad Park |
1 p.m. | Peachy Play Zone: Game Box NELA Just Dance Competition | Outside Civic Center |
1:30 p.m. | Family Fun in the Park: Team Gymnastics Award Ceremony | Railroad Park |
2 p.m. |
Peach Eating Contest (Ages 17 & under) |
Peachy Play Zone |
3 p.m. | Family Fun in the Park: Diaper Derby | Railroad Park |
3 p.m. | Family Fun in the Park: National Guard Call of Duty Xbox One Competition | Railroad Park |
4 p.m. | Peachy Play Zone: Game Box NELA Mario Cart Competition | Outside Civic Center |
6 p.m. | Tennis Tournament |
Home Court at LA Tech University (1650 W. Alabama Ave.) |
6 p.m. |
Concert: Josh Walker and the Tannehill Band (Rock n Soul/Americana) |
Raising Cane's Railroad Park Stage |
12 p.m. | Railroad Park | |
7 p.m. |
Concert: Lacy Cavalier (Country) |
Raising Cane's Railroad Park Stage |
8 p.m. | Rodeo |
N. La Exhibition Center (165 Fairgrounds Rd.) |
9 p.m. |
Concert: John King (Country) |
Raising Cane's Railroad Park Stage |
Saturday
Saturday, June 23 Events
All Events Main Events Kids Sports Music
Time | Event | Location |
---|---|---|
7 a.m. | 5K Color Run | |
8 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Ruston Farmers Market | (220 E. Mississippi Ave.) |
8 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Arts & Crafts Show | Ruston Civic Center |
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Peach Art Exhibit | Ruston City Hall |
8 a.m. - 6 p.m. |
Challenge Zone: Rock Climbing, Meltdown & Bungee (prices not included in admission) |
Behind Civic Center |
8 a.m. - 10 p.m. |
Carnival Zone (prices not included in admission) |
Sexton Lot |
9 a.m. | "Peachy Paradise" Parade | Begins at LA Tech TAC, continues east on Alabama Ave., south on Trenton St., west on Dan Reneau Dr. |
9 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Antique Car Show |
BancorpSouth parking lot (300 N. Trenton St.) |
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Peachy Play Zone: Game Box NELA Open Play, Face Painting (begins at 10 a.m.) & more | Outside Civic Center |
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. |
Concert: Ray Theaux (Steel Drums) |
Peachy Play Zone(Outside Civic Center) |
11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Concert: Battle of the Bands | Raising Cane's Railroad Park Stage |
12 p.m. - 4 p.m. | Hula Hooper, Stilt Walker, & Juggler | Sexton Lot |
1 p.m. | Peachy Play Zone: Game Box NELA Just Dance Competition | Outside Civic Center |
2 p.m. | Concert: Lawrence Gibbs & The Russ-Town Band Concert |
The Dixie Theatre (212 N. Vienna St.) |
2 p.m. |
Concert: Ray Theaux (Steel Drums) |
Raising Cane's Railroad Park Stage |
3 p.m. | Family Fun in the Park: National Guard Madden 17 Xbox One Competition | Railroad Park |
4 p.m. |
Concert: Blind Uncle Keith (Rock, Blues & Country) |
Raising Cane's Railroad Park Stage |
4 p.m. | Peachy Play Zone: Game Box NELA Mario Cart Competition | Outside Civic Center |
5 p.m. |
Concert: Zach O'Neil (Country) |
Raising Cane's Railroad Park Stage |
6 p.m. | Family Fun in the Park: National Guard Call of Duty Xbox One Competition | Railroad Park |
6 p.m. | Tennis Tournament |
Home Court at LA Tech University (1650 W. Alabama Ave.) |
6:30 p.m. |
Cobbler Gobbler Eating Contest (Pre-registration required, contact Brandon Sutherland at 318-251-3090. Ages 18 & up.) |
Railroad Park |
7:30 p.m. |
Concert: KATALYST (Pop, Rock, Blues & Country Covers) |
Raising Cane's Railroad Park Stage |
8 p.m. | Rodeo |
North La Exhibition Center (165 Fairgrounds Rd.) |
8 p.m. |
Bass Tournament Lake D'Arbonne (Registration 6-8 p.m. at D'Arbonne Pointe) |
D'Arbonne Pointe (147 Old Hwy. 15, Farmerville, LA) |
9 p.m. |
Concert: Bag of Donuts ('60s to Current Covers) |
Raising Cane's Railroad Park Stage |
10:30 p.m. |
Concert: Smackwater After Party (Classic Rock, R&B, &; Swamp Pop Covers) |
Ponchatoulas (109 E. Park Ave.) |
Pre-Festival
Pre-Festival Events
Events listed here begin or occur during the week before the festival. These events include contests with cash prizes as well as a dinner/dance party. Click an event image for more details.
Main Events
Main Events
Click an event image for more details.
Kids' Events
Kids' Events
Click an event image for more details.
Sports Events
Sporting Events
Click an event image for more details.
Music Events
Music Events
All musical acts will be performing on the Raising Cane's Railroad Park Stage unless otherwise noted.
Click an event image for more details.
Friday, June 22nd
Saturday, June 23rd
Raising Cane’s Stage Entertainment is co-sponsored by Devine Wine, The Keg Package and Cork Room, Log Cabin, Louisiana Lottery Corporation & Rocketfast Car Wash
Official After Party Sponsor: Ponchatoulas
Hotel Sponsor: Hampton Inn
Behind the Scenes Sponsor: Louisiana Delta Community College
Entrances
Festival Entrances
- Bromell Agency Gate at Sexton Lot
- Gate at Trenton St./Railroad Park
- Courtesy Chevrolet Gate at Vienna St./Railroad Park
- Albritton Service Company Gate at Georgia Ave./Monroe St.
- Gate at Georgia Ave./Trenton St.
- Green Clinic Gate at Florida Ave./Civic Center North Side
Forms & Registrations
Select the tabs below to access required forms. Completed applications may be submitted via any of the methods noted here: scanned and emailed, faxed, mailed or dropped off at Chamber, or scanned and uploaded through this site. For submission numbers, addresses, and links, see our Contact Section.
Vendor Applications
Vendor Applications
Download and complete the appropriate application to reserve a vending space.
Exhibitor Registrations
Exhibitor Registration Forms
Download and complete the appropriate form to register to exhibit at PeachFest Events.
Performer Registration
Performer Online Registration
Event Forms
Event Registration Forms
Download and complete event registration forms below.
Upload
Buy PeachFest Stuff
Get Your 2018 #LaPeachFest Swag
Buy t-shirts and posters featuring the 2018 #LaPeachFest theme "Peachy Paradise".
Mouse-over or tap the images below for artist information and pricing. Prices include tax. Phone or email orders requiring shipment will incur an additional $4.50 shipping charge per item ordered.
Poster
Order Poster
Designed By:
Pamela Powers
Unsigned Posters:
$10
Signed Posters:
$25
Call/Email Orders:
(318) 255-2031
peach@rustonlincoln.org
T-Shirt
Order T-Shirt
Designed By:
Courtney Self
Onesies:
$12
2T-Adult XL:
$15
Adult 2X-4X:
$18
Call/Email Orders:
(318) 255-2031
peach@rustonlincoln.org

Tank Top
Adult S-XL: $15

Caps
Adjustable: $12

Straw Hats
One Size: $20
Order your t-shirt or poster today by calling the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber at (318) 255-2031, emailing peach@rustonlincoln.org, or stopping by the Chamber of Commerce offices inside the Ruston-Lincoln Visitors' Center at 2111 North Trenton Street in Ruston.
T-Shirt and poster designs were submitted by artists, and Peach Festival fans voted to select this year's winning designs. Miss your chance to vote?
Follow Us on Facebook to participate in next year's selection process!
Sponsors

The Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce would like to thank all our generous sponsors for their support of the 2018 Louisiana Peach Festival!
Presenting Sponsors
Corporate Sponsors
All Sponsors
All Sponsors
Click a letter to scroll the sponsors list to those sponsors.
1 A B C D E F G H J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Z
Sponsor Name | Sponsorship Details |
---|---|
1st Franklin Financial | 5K Coordinator |
AEGIS Financial | Green Room & Office |
Albritton Service Company | Entrance Counter |
AROS | Corporate |
BancorpSouth | Antique Car Show & Other |
Bank of Ruston | Railroad Park Merchandise Tent |
Barnes Portraiture | Baby Photo Contest |
Best Western PLUS | Entrance Gate |
Beta Sigma Phi | Arts & Crafts Show |
Blue Bell Creameries | Peachy Play Zone |
Brennan Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep | Rodeo & Tennis Tournament |
Bromell Agency | Blue Ribbon Dinner |
Bruce Hampton for District Judge (Div C) | Corporate |
Celebrity Theatres | Corporate & Tennis Tournament Prize |
CenterPoint Energy | Peach Hunt |
City of Ruston | Presenting Co-Sponsor |
County Market | Other |
Courtesy Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac | Entrance Counter & Bass Tournament |
CrossFit Ruston | 5K Coordinator |
Devine Wine & Spirits | Entertainment |
Experience Ruston CVB | Presenting Co-Sponsor |
First National Bank | 5K Shirts |
FOX 14 | Corporate Media |
Gémeaux Boutique | Battle of the Bands |
Grambling State University | Friend of the Festival |
Green Clinic | Entrance Counter |
Hampton Inn | Cobbler Gobbler Eating Contest & Hotel |
HiTech Computers | Other |
Holstead's Inc. | Kids' Fishing Tournament |
Hot Rod Bar-B-Q | Antique Car Show |
Jed's Plumbing | Battle of the Bands |
Jeff Robinson for Judge | Friend of the Festival |
Jim Taylor Ford | Merchandise Tent |
Johnny's Pizza House | Tennis Tournament Prize |
Johnson Dental Care, LLC | Friend of the Festival |
JPS Equipment Rental | Presenting Sponsor |
Junior Auxiliary of Ruston | Parade Coordinator |
KAQY ABC TV | Corporate Media |
Keg Package Store | Entertainment |
Kindred at Home | Battle of the Bands |
KNOE TV 8 | Corporate Media |
KTVE NBC 10 | Corporate Media |
La Capitol Federal Credit Union | Kid’s Fishing Tournament & Friend of the Festival |
Lincoln Builders | Other |
Lincoln Parish Assessor-Sheila Bordelon | Other |
Lincoln Parish Park | Kid’s Fishing Tournament |
Lincoln Parish Sheriff, Mike Stone | Friend of the Festival |
Log Cabin | Entertainment Co-Sponsor |
Louisiana Baby & Beyond Expo | Diaper Derby |
Louisiana Center for the Blind | Friend of the Festival |
Louisiana Lottery | Entertainment |
Louisiana Department of Tourism | Presenting Co-Sponsor |
Mark Johnson Plumbing | Friend of the Festival |
McCarter Financial Group | Kids' Fishing Tournament |
McKinney Outdoor Superstore | Tennis Tournament Prize |
Mitcham Farms & The Peach Store | Friend of the Festival |
Monique Clement for Judge | Entrance Counter |
NetTech | Corporate |
Newk's Eatery | Volunteer T-Shirts |
North Central Louisiana Arts Council | Peach Art Exhibit |
Northeast LA Association of Realtors | Friend of the Festival |
Northern Louisiana Medical Center | Corporate |
O'Nealgas | Tennis Tournament Silver level |
Pafford EMS | Tennis Shirts |
Origin Bank | Corporate & Battle of the Bands |
Pamela Thompkins-Coldwell Banker Group One Realty | Kids' Fishing Tournament |
Paradigm Gym | Family Fun in Railroad Park |
Party Galaxy | Corporate |
PetStar Animal Care | Parade |
Polaris of Ruston | Other |
Ponchatoulas | Official After Party & Entertainment Co-Sponsor |
Prescription Shoppe Pharmacy | Friend of the Festival |
Princeton Place | Battle of the Bands |
Professional Hospice Care | Battle of the Bands |
Providence Real Estate | Corporate |
Q-94.1 | Corporate |
Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers | Railroad Park Stage |
Range Resources | Peachy Play Zone |
RAW Restaurant | Friend of the Festival & Tennis Tournament Prize |
RE/MAX Results Realty | Stilt Walker, Tennis Tournament Prize & Other |
Representative Rob Shadoin | Friend of the Festival |
Rocketfast Car Wash | Entertainment |
Rolling Hills Ministries | Friend of the Festival |
Ruston Artisans | Blue Ribbon Party |
Ruston Brick | Other |
Ruston Daily Leader | Corporate Media |
Ruston Exterminating | Battle of the Bands |
Ruston Regional Specialty Hospital of North LA | Friend of the Festival |
SciTec | Kid’s Fishing Tournament & Peachy Play Zone |
Scott's Catfish & Seafood - Ruston | Kid’s Fishing Tournament |
Senator Mike Walsworth | Juggler |
Southern AgCredit | Tennis Tournament Shirt |
Sonic (Farmerville, Calhoun, Ruston) | Tennis Tournament Prize |
SportsTalk 99.7 | Corporate |
St. Francis Medical Center | 5K T-Shirts |
Super 1 Foods | Tennis Tournament Prize & Green Room |
The Dixie Center for the Arts | Other |
The Mabry Co., LLC | Friend of the Festival |
The Peach 99.3 | Corporate Media |
Thompson's Bulldog Barber Shop | Tennis Tournament Prize |
Thornburg Monuments | Hula Hooper |
Townsend House Gifts | Peach Cookery Contest |
Triple B Diesel Service | Behind the Scenes |
University Ink | Battle of the Bands |
Verizon | Other |
Wal-Mart Supercenter | Kid's Fishing Tournament |
Walpole Tire Service | Friend of the Festival |
Wells Fargo Advisors | Friend of the Festival |
Wood Marine | Bass Tournament |
Z-107.5 | Corporate Media |
Paid Political Advertising, not an Endorsement from the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce.
Contact Us
Contact Us
Get In Touch
Organizers of the Louisiana Peach Festival can be contacted by calling or emailing the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, or by submitting the contact form here.
Need to upload a completed registration or application? Don’t forget to select Submit a Completed Form as the Inquiry Type to reveal the upload field.
Email: peach@rustonlincoln.org
Local: (318) 225-2031
Toll-Free: (800) 392-9032
Map
Find Us
Louisiana Peach Festival events occur throughout Ruston, with focal points in and around
the Civic Center (401 N. Trenton Street in Ruston)
and Railroad Park (101 E. Park Avenue in Ruston).
Use the buttons below for directions from Google Maps.