Lafayette, Colorado, is a great choice when considering destinations for your next late summer excursion. The city is conveniently perched about 20 miles north of Denver and has vibrant community events, diverse dining options, and plenty of fun outdoor activities.
The city has something to offer everyone who visits. Visit attractions like Colorado Chautauqua National Historic Landmark, Wise Homestead Museum and Lafayette Miners Museum, all of which highlight the area's storied history. This foodie friendly city is also home to a rich variety of dining options including Morning Glory Farm Fresh Cafe, The Post Brewing Company and Taqueria Esperanza.
Framed by distant peaks, the landscape here makes you feel like you’re in a postcard. Fill your days with ample outdoor activities like hiking the 20 miles of local trails, playing golf on at beautiful Indian Peaks Golf Course, or exploring Waneka Lake Park. The events in Lafayette are just as fun and diverse as the selection of things to do. A trip to Lafayette wouldn't be complete without participating in the ever popular Lafayette Peach Festival.
The Lafayette Peach Festival has been one of the top events in Colorado since it began 17 years ago. With an expected attendance of over 20,000 this year, this is one of largest celebrations in the state. When it comes to being unique, this festival delivers with an unmatched amount of peach themed items and food. In fact, vendors bring over 30,000 pounds of peaches to sell to patrons. Make your next getaway one that you’ll fondly remember for years to come and head to the Lafayette Peach Festival. We got the chance to interview Pat Vero, Director of Events and Marketing for the Lafayette Chamber, to talk about this great event.
RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event.
PV: This will be the 17th year of the Lafayette Peach Festival. The event has been a huge draw for people in the community, area and state. We are expecting more than 20,000 people in attendance this year. The event is perfect for all ages and backgrounds. We encourage anyone interested to come join in all the fun.
RAL: What makes this event unique?
PV: What sets our event apart is the wonderful peach flavored food available for all to purchase. We sell over 4,500 servings of warm peach cobbler with or without ice cream, 500 fresh whole peach pies with a crumb topping, and 80 whole pans of cobbler (while supply lasts.) We also sell roughly 2,500 peach smoothies. Over 225 booth spaces include artists, crafters, antique dealers from all over the front range. There are four peach vendors that come from Palisade and over 30,000 pounds of fresh organic peaches are sold.
RAL: Take me through a day at the event.
PV: We are going to have vendor booths spread out over a five-block area. There will be plenty of kid’s entertainment as well including face painters, inflatables and games.
RAL: Will there be any guest appearances?
PV: Yes, on the kid’s entertainment stage we have Jim Jackson and Birgitta De Pree. On the main stage we will be featuring Hindsight and the Who Do’s.
RAL: What will attendees find for dining options?
PV: We are going to have some great food trucks serving up a variety of options and local restaurants will be open for business.
RAL: What is the overall environment like?
PV: This is an outdoor festival held rain or shine on five blocks in our downtown area. It's a friendly and fun environment where everyone is welcome.
RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?
PV: Yes, as we get over 20,000 people coming through on this one day. We receive sales tax from all the vendors. Businesses see increased foot traffic the day of and sometimes for weeks after.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
PV: The peaches are ripe and the four Palisade growers bring over 30,000 pounds of fresh organic peaches across the divide. They are juicy, and waiting just for you. Imagine 4,500 servings of warm peach cobbler with or without ice cream and 2,500 peach smoothies devoured on the spot. Enjoy fresh baked bread, BBQ, Philly Cheese Steaks, Peach Pizza, Brats, Burgers, Gyros, Turkey Legs and much more from the many food vendors. The Festival features arts and crafts, antiques, food booths, free face painting, kids’ activities (some fees apply), live entertainment, and so much more!
For more information about the Lafayette Peach Festival, please visit their website.