LEWISTON, N.Y. —  The annual Peach Festival, known for serving delicious, ripe peaches grown in Niagara County, is making its triumphant return after being canceled last year due to the pandemic.

The 63rd annual festival will be held at Academy Park in Lewiston from September 9-12.

Festival officials outlined some new additions, including a redesigned peach shortcake and a newly constructed stage, which will be available permanently at the park.

And, of course, not to be outdone, traditional activities like the Peach Queen Pageant and the Peach Taste Off competition have returned.

Despite the challenges of hosting this festival, chairperson Dean Beltrano believes that around 38,000 people will attend this year.

"In welcoming everybody back, we are hoping this is going to be a great year," Beltrano said. "And I do believe that this is something that the community really needs to just make sure that we are all back."

Parking will be free for all Festival attendees at the upper Artpark lot, with complimentary shuttle buses to take attendees to the grounds and back.

To get your tickets and to browse the full schedule of events, click here.