The Peach Jam Jubilee has found a new home.

The annual event moved from downtown Clanton to City Park this year and was a success despite some weather woes, organizers said.

“We’re very pleased with the entire event, despite the weather. It came off beautifully,” said Mike Robertson, executive director of the Chilton County Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors the Peach Jam. “We had a 15-percent crowd increase, and the most amazing part was the people coming back after the storm.”

An afternoon thunderstorm suspended the Peach Jam for about two hours, from 6-8 p.m. Vendors, even those who packed when the skies darkened, said the move to the park was a good one.

“I plan on coming back in 2012 with sunny skies and warm breezes in my pocket to ward off any rain,” said vendor Kathy Bowdoin of Fashion Magnetics. “Moving it to the park is a wonderful idea, and I think the festival will only get bigger and better each year now. The crowd was good and I overheard so many say how much nicer it was to have everything in the park.”

Vendors felt welcome and set up was easy, she said.

“I was so glad to be a part of it for the short time that nature allowed,” Bowdoin said.

A playground area with a variety of games and activities was available for children. The area included a rock climbing wall, a game truck, swings and other fun activities.

“Within the first two hours we were already at 77 percent of last year in the kids’ playground,” said Robertson.

The classic and Southern rock band Southern Pride from Brevard County, Fla., took to the stage and performed several of their crowd-pleasing songs.

The headlining performers of the event, The Tip Tops, came from Mobile to entertain the crowd for the second year in a row.

“It turned out great; the crowd was really into it,” said Harold Jones of The Tip Tops. “Hopefully, we get to come back next year.”
Robertson said the Peach Jam will stay at Clanton City Park.

“We know now the park is the place to have it. Even The Tip Tops like it; they said it [the temperature] was cooler.” said Robertson. “We’re thrilled about the turnout, and now we can grow it and make it a bigger and better event for our community.”

The Chamber is already planning for next year’s Peach Jam.

“Next year will be better, and each succeeding year will be even better,” said Robertson. “We would not have been able to do it without the sponsors and the city of Clanton. One of the Chamber’s values is continuous improvement.”