Time to celebrate the peach! – Related Image.

Did you know that Ontario leads Canada in peach and nectarine production? According to the Ontario Tenderfruit Producers Marketing Board, the province is responsible for 82 per cent of the national production — and most of those peaches/nectarines are grown right here in Niagara.

This weekend, Niagara-on-the-Lake will be celebrating this year’s peach harvest. The annual festivities include not one but two festivals honouring the juicy fruit. On Saturday there’s the Peach of a Celebration taking place on Queen Street. There will be farmers on hand selling peaches by the basket, local restaurants offering peach-inspired cuisine and several vendors offering non-peach gear. You can check out antique farm equipment, grab some steamed corn on the cob, or take in the Town Crier’s Peach Pie contest (drop off your entry to the Chamber of Commerce before 11:45). There will, as always, be lots of live music too! Sunday will see St. Vincent de Paul’s annual festival return to the church’s grounds. From peach treats to pulled pork sandwiches, it’s a great spot to grab lunch. There will also be lots for the kids to do in the awesome kid’s corner that includes balloon animals and a reptile guy.

There are other ways to celebrate all things peach related as well. The Niagara-on-the-Lake Farmers’ Market @ The Village will have several vendors offering up peach treats, there are countless roadside stands dispensing fresh-picked peaches or jam. Swing by Kurtz Orchards Farm and Marketplace on the Niagara Parkway where you can even take a tour of the orchard! McFarland House’s tea room may even have some peach-infused tea up for grabs.

Farmers in Niagara have had a tough growing season so far. Weird winter weather has altered their crops and this weekend is a great opportunity to show your support (and enjoy the ‘fruits’ of their labour while you’re at it).