Although cooler spring temperatures resulted in Chilton County peaches having a delay in ripening, they have now arrived and peach growers say they are delicious.

Jemison’s Culp Fruits owner Angie Culp Glass said in the three years she has run the family farm, she is hoping this year will be the best.

“I guess you could say I am hoping that this year will be a ‘third time is a charm’ type of thing,” Glass said.

Although the peaches were three weeks late at Culp Fruits and the peach season got a slow start, Glass said some of the varieties of peaches she has been picking have been the largest she has seen.

“We have some June Gold peaches that were really large,” Glass said. “We will probably start picking some Ruby Prince peaches on Thursday that are going to be a nice size as well.”

Durbin Farms Market will host its annual peach season kick-off on Friday with freshly picked peaches from Chilton County available.

Durbin Farms Market owner Danny Jones said the kick-off is a good event for people to purchase the peaches and promote what Chilton County is known for.

“We just really enjoy this event because we love having people come out and sample the peaches,” Jones said. “We got a late start this year but now we are back on track with everything and should have some delicious peaches ready for Friday.”

Jones said Gov. Robert Bentley is expected to attend the event that starts at 11 a.m. at the market.

“We will have some Jean Joe and Gala varieties on Friday for people to enjoy,” Jones said. “It is going to be a lot of fun.”

Jones said three trailer loads of peaches will be delivered at the market in preparation for the kick-off event and hopes everyone will come out to celebrate the beginning of peach season.