2025 Wild Peach Market's First Annual Peach Festival

Peach Eating Contest:

Registration: CANCELLED 

Open throughout market day and will close 30 minutes before contest begins (TBD).

Eligibility:

• Open to peach enthusiasts ages 13 and up.
• All participants (or a parent/guardian for minors) must sign a waiver acknowledging potential risks.
• Registration is required to compete.

Divisions:

• Ages 13–17
• Ages 18+

Time & Arrival:

• Contest time will be announced closer to market day.
• Late arrivals will forfeit their space without refund.

How It Works:

• Each contestant will receive an equal amount (by weight) of pitted peach halves.
• No hands or utensils allowed—participants must keep their hands behind their backs at all times.
• “Chipmunking” (holding peach pieces in your mouth when time ends) is allowed, but no additional bites may be taken after time is called.
• Contestants must only eat the peaches provided—no outside peaches permitted.
• At the signal, contestants will dive in and eat as much as they can using only their mouth.
• The winner will be the first to completely finish their portion, or whoever eats the most within 5 minutes with an empty mouth and hands raised at the buzzer.

Rules & Conduct:

• No use of hands
• No spitting, discarding, or vomiting
• No throwing peaches or disruptive behavior
• No obscene, offensive, vulgar language, or poor sportsmanship
• Violations result in immediate disqualification.

We aim to create a positive, inclusive, and respectful experience for all participants. Let’s celebrate community spirit and our love for all things peachy!

Health & Safety:

• Participants should be mindful of their own health. If at any point a participant feels unwell, they must notify a contest official immediately.

Winner & Prizes:

• In the event of a tie, a tie-breaker round will be held.
• The winner will receive a trophy, a cash prize, and earn the title of the 2025
• Wild Peach Market's 1st Annual Peach Fest: Peach Eating Champion
• Final prize amount depends on the number of paid entries, after covering event-related expenses (e.g., venue, supplies, production).

Peach Pit Launch

Registration:

Open throughout market day and will close at 8:10pm, August 30th. 

Event Time:
Come-and-go style from 5:00 PM to 8:10 PM

Divisions:

Ages 12 & under
Ages 13–19
Ages 20+

How It Works:

• The contest is a target-based launch game.
• Each contestant will participate in three rounds.
• In each round, the contestant will:
  • Draw a peach pit at random from a “blind bag” to ensure fairness (due to pit size variation).
  • Dip the peach pit into a random paint color (to help track where it lands).
  • Load it into the market-provided launcher, aim, and fire toward a target-covered canvas in three rounds.
  • Each launch must occur within the marked lane and from behind the launch line.
  • Crossing the line or landing outside the lane results in zero points for that round.
• Points are awarded based on where the pit hits on the canvas. If splatter lands across multiple zones, the lower point value will be awarded unless most of the color is in the higher target zone. Judge(s) scores are final.
  • After three launches, scores are totaled.
  • The contestant with the highest score wins.
  • Ties will be settled with a sudden-death relaunch.
  • Contestants must remain on-site to be eligible.
  • Winners must be present to collect prizes. 

Conduct:

No obscene, offensive, vulgar language, or poor sportsmanship.

We aim to create a positive, inclusive, and respectful experience for all participants. Let’s celebrate community spirit and our love for all things peachy!

Prizes:

• Winners in each division will receive a ribbon and cash prize.
• Prize amounts are based on total registration numbers, after covering event expenses (e.g., venue, supplies, production costs).

Winner Announcement:
8:30 PM (unless agreed upon earlier/later due to unforeseen circumstances)

Best Peach Pie Bake-Off Contest

Registration closes on August 30th, 5:30pm.

Drop-Off Time & Requirements:

• All pies must be dropped off at 5:30PM sharp at the designated Bake-Off table.
• Pies must be delivered in a disposable pie tin and covered with aluminum foil — no glass or ceramic pans will be accepted.
• Each pie will be labeled and divided into tasting portions. Portions will be placed in small, numbered cups to maintain anonymity during judging.
• Contestants’ identities will be kept secret during judging to ensure fairness.
• Judges will only see the numbered tasting cups.
• No refrigeration is available on-site. Please ensure your pie is safe to sit covered, outdoors.

Pie Requirements:

To ensure consistency and highlight traditional skills, each entry must meet the following criteria:

• Peach pies only – peaches must be the primary fruit.
• Homemade crust only – no store-bought pie crusts permitted.
• Lattice-style top crusts required – creativity encouraged within lattice designs.
• No pre-sliced or individual mini pies. One full 9" pie per contestant.

Judging Criteria:

Judges will begin tasting at a time to be determined as we get closer to market date.

A panel of 3 impartial judges will taste and evaluate each pie based on:

• Flavor & Freshness (peach flavor, seasoning, natural sweetness)
• Texture & Crust Quality (flakiness, bake quality, lattice execution)
• Presentation (overall visual appeal of the pie and lattice)
• Originality (unique spices, flavor twist while still honoring traditional peach pie)
• Each judge will score independently. The pie with the highest combined score wins.

After the Judging:

• Once judging is complete, remaining slices of each pie will be made available to event attendees.
  • Leftover pie will be distributed for a minimum $5 donation per slice, with proceeds supporting future community events and the Miss Wild Peach Scholarship Fund.

Other Info:

The winner will be announced during the pageant award ceremony or shortly after judging is completed (depending on various event timing).
 

Disqualification Criteria & Conduct Expectations:
To maintain a fair, respectful, and enjoyable experience for all, the following may result in immediate disqualification without refund from the Best Peach Pie Bake-Off:

• Late drop-off: Pies not received by 5:30PM will not be accepted or judged.
• Non-disposable tin: Pies must be submitted in a disposable pie tin. No exceptions.
• Store-bought crust: Only fully homemade crusts (top and bottom) are allowed.
• Incorrect crust style: Pies must have a lattice-style top crust. No crumb, full top, or open-faced pies.
• Non-peach pies: Pies must feature peach as the main ingredient. Other fruit pies or mixed fruit with minimal peach will be disqualified.
• Improper quantity: Pies must yield at least 3 spoonfuls for tasting. If there is not enough for all judges, the entry may be disqualified.
• Identifying information: No names, initials, or markings may appear on the pie, tin, or packaging. All judging is anonymous.
• Food safety concerns: Any pie that appears spoiled, undercooked, or unsafely prepared may be disqualified at the discretion of staff.

Unsportsmanlike Behavior:
Any form of rude, disruptive, or disrespectful behavior by a contestant, family member, or guest may result in disqualification from the bake-off. This includes:

• Confronting or arguing with judges or staff
• Speaking negatively about other contestants' pies, contests, and event.
• Attempting to influence the judging process
• Displaying poor sportsmanship in person or on social media
• We are here to celebrate community, creativity, and peach pride! We expect all participants and supporters to uphold a spirit of respect, kindness, and fairness.

Disqualified entries will not be refunded or considered for awards.

We aim to create a positive, inclusive, and respectful experience for all participants. Let’s celebrate community spirit and our love for all things peachy!

Winner & Prizes:

The winner will receive an award, a cash prize, and earn the title of the 2025 Wild Peach Market's 1st Annual Peach Fest: Best Peach Pie
Final prize amount depends on the number of paid entries, after covering event-related expenses (e.g., venue, supplies, production).

Best Peach Jam Contest

Registration closes on August 30th at 5:30PM

Drop-Off Instructions:

• All jam entries must be dropped off by 5:30 PM at the designated contest table.
• Late entries will not be accepted.
• Jars will be clearly labeled at drop off. No names or identifying marks should appear on the jar or lid.
• Jams will be divided into small, numbered tasting cups for judging to maintain anonymity. Contestants’ identities will be kept secret during judging to ensure fairness.

Jam Requirements:
To ensure consistency and highlight traditional jam-making skills, all entries must meet the following requirements:

• Peach must be the primary ingredient. Jams may be flavored (e.g., peach-ginger, peach-vanilla), but peach must be the dominant fruit.
• Homemade jams only. No store-bought or commercially prepared products.
• Entries must be sealed in half-pint or pint-sized jars. Jars will not be returned after the event.
• Jams should be set (not runny) and safe for tasting outdoors.
• Only one jar per contestant may be submitted.
• Each entry must provide enough jam for three small samples for judging.

Judging Criteria:

Judges will begin tasting at a time to be determined as we get closer to market date.

Judging will be blind, impartial, and done by a panel of 3 judges. Each jam will be evaluated based on the following:

• Flavor – Is the peach flavor rich and balanced? Are additional flavors complementary?
• Texture – Is the jam well-set, smooth, and spreadable?
• Appearance – Is it visually appealing (color, consistency, clarity)?
• Originality – Creative combinations and spice/flavor pairings are welcome, as long as peach remains the star!
• Scores will be privately recorded and totaled. The highest combined score will win.

After Judging:

• Once the judging concludes, remaining jam samples will be made available to attendees for tasting.
• Tasting cups will be offered in exchange for a $1 donation per sample, benefiting the Miss Wild Peach Scholarship Fund and other future community events.
  Contest results will be announced during or after the pageant awards ceremony.

Disqualification Criteria:
The following will result in immediate disqualification:

• Late drop-off (after 5:30 PM)
• Non-homemade jam
• Store-bought or commercially packaged jars
• Unsealed or leaking jars
• Inadequate quantity (not enough for 3 tasting samples)
• Jams without peach as the primary ingredient
• Identifying information on the jar (name, initials, stickers, etc.)
• Unsafe product (spoilage, signs of fermentation, improper canning)
• Glass jars improperly cleaned

Conduct & Sportsmanship:
Unsportsmanlike behavior will not be tolerated and may result in disqualification, removal from the event, and/or disqualification from other competitions.

This includes:

• Confronting or attempting to influence judges
• Disparaging other contestants or entries
• Disrespect toward staff or event volunteers
• Complaints or inappropriate comments made publicly or online

We aim to create a positive, inclusive, and respectful experience for all participants. Let’s celebrate community spirit and our love for all things peachy!
 

Winner & Prizes:

The winner will receive an award, a cash prize, and earn the title of the 2025 Wild Peach Market's 1st Annual Peach Fest: Best Peach Jam

Final prize amount depends on the number of paid entries, after covering event-related expenses (e.g., venue, supplies, production).

Miss Wild Peach Pageant

General Pageant Info:

Divisions:

• Ages 5-8
• Ages 9-12
• Ages 13-15
• Ages 16-19 

Categories/Rounds for all divisions:

1. Fun Fashion Round: "What would you wear to a peach picking picnic?"
   • Be prepared to describe your outfit, what it's called (example: "Peach Glam"), what you used to create it, etc.
2. Walkthrough Attire: Semi-formal or Sunday best — tea-length or derby-style dress. This will be worn during the Stage Interview round.
3. Stage Interview: 
   • Contestants will introduce themselves and answer questions such as:
   • “Tell us about yourself.”
   • “What are your future goals?”
   • “What would you hope to accomplish as Miss Wild Peach?”
   • “How would you like to help your community?”
   • “Why would you like to be Miss Wild Peach 2025?”

Attire Guidelines:

Attire:

• All outfits must be tasteful, appropriate for family audiences, and reflect the theme of each round.
• Judges value creativity, originality, and age-appropriate presentation. No midriffs, no visible tattoos, no piercings except on ears.
• Dresses must be tea-length or derby-style (below the knee but not floor-length).
• Makeup: age-appropriate (enhance beauty, don't cover it up).
  • "Natural," not "glitz."
• Excessive makeup, false lashes, extensions are not allowed for divisions 5-9 years old.
• Makeup, false lashes, extensions are allowed for divisions 10+ years old.
• Contestants should arrive dressed in their Fun Fashion outfit. One backstage wardrobe change will be available before the Stage Interview round. Expect to "touch up" makeup and hair. We will not have a full space or electricty for full makeup/hair available.
• Contestants may have one adult helper backstage designated with a lanyard and registered at check in.
  • Males are not allowed to be backstage. If there are special circumstances, contact us to make private arrangements.
• On theme, "peachy" elements encouraged and props are welcome.

Have wardrobe ready for category: "What would you wear to a peach picking picnic?" (Be as creative as you would like! Think: rustic, floral, whimsical, etc)

Have wardrobe ready: Semi-formal, Sunday best, tea length dress

Conduct & Eligibility:

• Contestants must be within the age division on or before the event date 
• All entries must be accompanied by a completed application and entry fee by the registration deadline.
• Contestants and families must conduct themselves with good sportsmanship.
• The Miss Wild Peach titleholder must be a person of good moral character. Her words, actions, and appearance should reflect the highest standards of conduct, as she will serve as a positive role model and represent the pageant throughout the year.
• We ask all guests to clap and cheer on each contestant to honor a positive, uplifting, and inspiring pageant experience for each contestant.
• Each participant, win or lose, is expected to be gracious, kind, and supporting of the Miss who is crowned. Unsportsmanlike behavior of any sort, at any time, will not be tolerated. Any contestant, family member, or guest who shows unsportsmanlike behavior toward anyone including, but not limited to, staff, judges, and/or other contestants may result in disqualification and/or may be asked to leave market grounds with no refund. All fees, prizes and awards will be forfeit.

Judging Criteria:

• All contestants are judged based on elegance, stage presence, theme execution, modeling skills, personality, and character presented on stage. 
• Overall Appearance (poise, attire, age-appropriate presentation)
• Personality & Stage Presence
• Confidence & Charisma
• Theme Execution
• Interview

Judging is final and based on a panel of qualified, impartial judges. Judging will be conducted silently, with scores recorded individually by each judge and deliberated privately. Judges will break all ties and judges' decisions are final.

Winner:

The Miss Wild Peach Scholarship Fund will be awarded to the the overall winner, Miss Wild Peach 2025

The total scholarship amount will be determined based on the number of contest participants registered, after all event expenses are covered, including but not limited to crowns, sashes, venue costs, and production fees.
Final scholarship amount will be announced on the day of the pageant or as soon as all expenses are finalized.

Titles & Awards:

• All division winners will receive a crown and sash.
• Miss Wild Peach 2025: Highest combined score across all age divisions; will receive crown, sash, and scholarship fund award.
• Winner will return to the 2026 Peach Fest to crown the next Miss Wild Peach.
• Winner will make 3 or more appearances at future Wild Peach Market events during the 2025-2026 season until the next Miss Wild Peach Market is crowned.

By submitting an entry, all contestants and families agree to abide by the rules and expectations outlined in this document.

A mandatory pre-pageant meeting will be held at the market on Wednesday, August 27 at 5:30 PM. At least one parent or guardian must attend with each contestant. We will review event details, check-in process, and answer any final questions. If necessary, you can schedule a tour of the market grounds between August 16-26, 2025. If you have additional questions, contact us using a method listed on the form.