The Parker County Peach Festival is always a big thing - and this year it’s going to feature a treat unlike any other the world has ever seen.
The Weatherford Chamber of Commerce has announced plans to create the world’s largest batch of peach cobbler - and yes, it will be available for consumption by anyone who visits the Peach Festival in downtown Weatherford on Saturday, July 13.
“The Parker County Peach Festival has always been a celebration of our rich agricultural heritage and our love for peaches. Breaking the world record for the largest peach cobbler is a fun and ambitious way to showcase our community spirit and highlight the delicious peaches that our region is known for,” Weatherford Chamber President Tammy Gazzola said. “It’s also a fantastic way to bring people together and create lasting memories.
“We have talked about doing the cobbler for a couple of years, but one of our local businessmen, Zack Smith with Buffalo Rental, heard we were considering the attempt and he took the initiative to formulate the plan to execute it. He really is the brains behind this huge undertaking.”
Gazzola said the current world record for the largest cobbler is held by some folks in Louisiana who baked 2,251 pounds worth. She said plans are to shatter that record by creating more than 5,000 pounds.
“We don’t want there to be any question that’s it’s the biggest!” Gazzola exclaimed.
The cobbler will be constructed off-site, just two blocks away from downtown. It will be constructed on Friday and moved to the festival Saturday morning. Local non-profits will be working the cobbler booth to sell tastings of the huge cobbler and all the proceeds will go directly to local non-profits.
Gazzola said this project has been in the works since last September when the chamber reached out to the folks at Guiness and put the plan in to action.
Candice Lambdin of Fire Oak Grill has been perfecting the recipe. Smith has been securing the equipment needed for mixing, transporting, building the oven and cooking. Texas Butane is helping with propane for cooking.
The Weatherford ISD Career and Technical Education program built and constructed and 11-by-20-foot pan to hold the cobbler.
“The oven will be constructed Thursday and burners placed. The pan will be weighed and placed Friday,” Gazzola explained. “Friday afternoon the ingredients are weighed and mixed by the Weatherford Young Business Leaders. The cobbler will cook all night under the watch of the YBL and be moved to its place in the festival for Saturday morning.”
Gazzola said the chamber has been in contact with Guiness but has not received confirmation as to whether they will be sending someone. However, she said everything in the process is being recorded carefully.
“We are moving forward and documenting the process and certifying the weight of ingredients and pan. We are using certified scales at Dillard’s Feed to make sure it is all recorded correctly,” she said. “Following the festival we will submit the record attempt and fully expect to smash the record.”
The Parker County Peach Festival, started in 1984, continues to captivate visitors from all over with its charm, bounty of locally grown peaches and over 200 art, craft, food and activity vendors. Attendees can indulge in an array of peach-themed delicacies, from peach cobbler (more than ever this year), peach juleps, peach pie, peach ribs to peach ice cream.
The food competition has quickly become a local favorite. The judges of this fun event are in for a real treat as they savor anything and everything peachy.
More than 200 quality arts and crafts, produce, activity and food vendors will line the streets of downtown Weatherford, with the historic Parker County Courthouse as the backdrop.
Visitors can pull up a seat, sit back and relax at one of two entertainment stages featuring local talent.
The annual Peach Pedal Bike Ride, also taking place that day, will feature over 2,000 cyclists. To get more information on this popular bike ride visit www.peachpedal.com.
For easy (and free) transportation to the festival, hop on one of the air-conditioned shuttles from the Weatherford ISD Ninth-Grade Center, Weatherford College or Heritage Park.
Cost is $10 for adults, $5 kids ages 5-12 and under age 5 are free. Tickets can be purchased at www.peachfestivaltx.com.
Also, visit facebook.com/parkercountypeachfestival for more details.
“Each year, we strive to enhance the festival experience with new attractions, entertainment, and of course, our world-class peach cobbler,” Gazzola said. “This dedication to quality and innovation continues to attract growing numbers of attendees, making it a highlight of the summer for many.”
Lindley Kessinger was named Peach Queen for 2024-2025. She also won the photogenic award. She is the daughter of Kris and Jeannine Kessinger and will be a senior at Weatherford Christian School. The Parker County Peach Festival will be in Weatherford on July 13.
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