RUSTON, La. -- With just days remaining before the annual Ruston Peach Festival, organizers and growers say visitors can still expect all the flavors and traditions they have come to love, despite significant challenges facing local peach farmers this year.
For longtime peach grower Joe Mitcham, farming peaches is more than a business — it's a way of life. But this year's crop was dealt a major setback after two consecutive cold snaps struck in March.
"About 28, maybe even 29 (degrees) is the coldest they can take," Mitcham said. "And we had 22 degrees on March 16. That main morning was the one that really got us. Five of my varieties have got no peaches."
The severe freeze forced Mitcham and other growers to adjust their plans ahead of one of North Louisiana's most popular festivals.
To meet customer demand during the festival, Mitcham said he's bringing in peaches from South Carolina.
"We have to go to Plan B," he said. "We're bringing in South Carolina peaches, and that's what we'll have for sales, especially for the festival."
The freeze was only the latest challenge for the orchard. Mitcham said a fungal disease has steadily reduced his tree inventory over the past five years.
"It's really affecting the trees," he said. "I'm down to 800 trees, which is eight acres of trees. We used to have 1,800 trees."
Despite the reduced local crop, customers continue to support the farm. Many visitors remain loyal to the business and its products.
"To support them," customer Duane Garner said. "And my grandkids love the peaches."
Inside the farm store, shoppers browse a variety of peach-themed products, including preserves, salsa and even peach-scented lotion. Visitors range from local residents to tourists and families returning to the area to reconnect with their roots, like Sterling Alexander and his family.Â
The enthusiasm surrounding peaches remains strong, and festivalgoers are expected to share plenty of stories and memories throughout the weekend.
The Ruston Peach Festival will take place Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Festival events begin Friday with the Peach Parade and a peach pickleball tournament, along with a a downtown preview night featuring local businesses.
The weekend celebration includes a variety of family-friendly activities centered around the region's signature fruit. More details at Ruston Peach Fest's site.
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