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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Managing Editor

The temperatures may just be a little nippy with no snow in sight, but Chiton County residents can still enjoy a Christmas wonderland walking in the Peach Park garden.

Peach Park’s Christmas Walk is returning this year with at least 40 festively decorated trees as a part of the display.

Mark and Robin Gray of Peach Park started this free holiday activity last year.

“We were just looking for something to give back to our customers during the offseason, when we didn’t have peaches,” Robin Gray said.

Mark Gray said he enjoys being able to have “something extra to offer” when peaches are not in season.

“A long time ago, we would be closed at this time of year,” Mark Gray said.

Adding something extra to the garden area began with a Scarecrow Walk in 2020.

Robin Gray said they were thinking of what could be added after taking down the scarecrows and decided to do Christmas trees.

Community organizations and businesses decorate the trees, paying an entry fee for the spot as a fundraiser for Chilton County DHR’s Christmas Wishes.

“We have had a great response,” Robin Gray said. “… I think it has been very well received by our customers and the county as well.”

For this second year, decorators are taking things to the next level.

“The creativity has stepped up a little,” Robin Gray said, commenting that some are trying to outdo last year’s extravagant displays.

More people are participating this year as well. The display will open to the public on Thanksgiving Day at 4 p.m.

There are a few spots left, and the deadline to secure a spot with the staff at the boutique is Nov. 24.

Lights on the trees in the walk are on from about 4-9 p.m. each night.

Awards in a variety of wacky categories for the trees also add to the holiday fun.

An area to roast marshmallows and make s’mores is available on the weekends, weather permitting.

Robin Gray said the fire pit opens at 3 p.m.

“We sell s’mores kits,” Robin said. “You can come and make s’mores and (have) hot chocolate and cider.”

Mr. and Mrs. Claus and the Grinch will make appearances on the weekends as well.