The 26th annual Marysville Peach Festival just wrapped up, and it’s a reminder of something we don’t talk about enough: some of the best community traditions start with the simplest ideas. This one started at a family dinner table about 26 years ago when Sara Baggett’s mom remembered that Marysville used to have a peach festival. She suggested bringing it back. Nobody at that table probably imagined it would grow into one of the Yuba-Sutter region’s most anticipated summer events, drawing thousands of visitors every year to celebrate fresh peaches, local vendors, and live entertainment.
What makes the Marysville Peach Festival truly special is how it’s remained a family enterprise from day one. Sara Baggett got involved when she was just eight years old and now leads the event alongside multiple generations of her family. The festival honors their heritage through displays of five generations of family photos and continues a tradition of serving peach cobbler using her grandmother Carmela’s original recipe, a practice they’ve kept alive even after her passing. They share the recipe with festival attendees, turning a personal family treasure into something the whole community can enjoy. Local businesses have embraced the festival too, creating their own peach-inspired treats and showing up to support an event that’s become woven into the fabric of the region.
The Marysville Peach Festival represents something bigger than just celebrating a local crop. It shows how grassroots, family-driven ideas can become significant community institutions when people show up, stay committed, and involve the next generation. For anyone in the Yuba-Sutter area, it’s worth checking out next year. For everyone else, it’s worth thinking about: What kind of community tradition could start at your dinner table?
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
