Chronicle photo by Toni Milbourne Members of New Street United Methodist Church stand ready to feed the masses at Saturday’s Peach Festival.

New Street United Methodist Church began a tradition 12 years ago that continues to draw in folks from all around.

This past Saturday, the church hosted its 12th annual Peach Festival, providing attendees with an opportunity to fellowship while enjoying some delicious “peachy” offerings.

Rev. Dee-Ann Dixon said the festival started in 2005 when the members of the church were looking for something “different” to do as a fundraiser.

“There really isn’t another peach festival, except maybe in Hagerstown,” Dixon said.

In preparation for the event, members of the church traveled down Route 45 to use the kitchen at the Shepherdstown Fire Department. The members baked approximately 52 peach pies for the festival. Added to that were pans of peach crisp and peach cobbler.

Those deciding which peach treat to enjoy could top off the still-warm delicacies with vanilla or peach ice cream.

Charles Town residents Bobby and Pam Tomblin heard about the event and thought they would make the drive to try it out. After lunching on some of the many sandwich offerings, both decided on peach pie with peach ice cream for dessert.

“It was worth the drive from Charles Town,” said Bobby Tomblin as he finished off the hearty serving.

Dixon shared that approximately 150 to 200 people come to the festival. While pies are offered for sale, she said there usually are not very many available after the slices are sold.

“We sell a lot of pie,” she said. “But, my favorite is the crisp.”