Festivalgoers stroll beneath the peach-themed banner and towering inflatable fruit along D Street in downtown Marysville. The 25th annual Marysville Peach Festival drew thousands of visitors over the weekend.

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - The annual Peach Festival celebrated its silver anniversary this past weekend in historic downtown Marysville. Cooler than average temperatures encouraged thousands of attendees to stroll up and down D Street, flooding local businesses and vendor booths with eager customers.

“Can you believe that this whole thing started a quarter of a century ago?” said Jody Sodaro, a local peach grower credited with founding the Peach Festival. “It's amazing. Hopefully this will just continue, and the weather will cooperate and downtown will flourish.”

The event officially kicked off Friday, July 18, with a special anniversary awards ceremony on the South Stage at 3rd and D Street. Marysville Mayor Chris Branscum took the stage to lead the recognitions. The first honors—Special 25th Anniversary Recognition Awards—were presented to Jody Sodaro and Andrew Coolidge, two key figures credited with launching the Peach Festival, which first took root in Marysville in 1999.

Despina “Peppie” Schrader (left) receives an embrace from festival founder Jody Sodaro during the presentation of the John Sodaro “Onore” Award. Schrader was honored for her decades of volunteer service and historic preservation efforts in Marysville.

“Jody is credited for sparking the original idea for the festival and it really caught fire,” said Branscum during his speech. “Andrew served as the event manager during its formative years, gaining national attention for the festival and even earning a feature in Sunset magazine. These individuals are the reason we’re here this afternoon.”

Coolidge, who managed the festival during its first eight years, thanked attendees and local officials for the honor but redirected praise to Kary Hauck of Sapphire Marketing, who now leads the event’s organization. “She is the engine that makes this happen, and a lot of other folks too,” Coolidge added.

Next was the presentation of the Didar Bains Visionary Leadership Award, which went to Marysville Vice Mayor Bruce Buttacavoli. Branscum hailed him as “a true community champion,” noting his two terms on the Marysville City Council and his role as founder of the longstanding local business Buttacavoli Window & Door Inc.

Marysville City Councilmember Brad Hudson poses with his award following the festival’s opening ceremony. Hudson was recognized for helping rescue the region’s Fourth of July fireworks celebration on short notice after the Esparto facility tragedy.

“For many, many years he has generously donated his time and talent to the Marysville Peach Festival—he’s even played guitar and performed,” said Branscum. “Today we honor Vice Mayor Bruce Buttacavoli not just for what he’s done, but for the visionary spirit he embodies.”

Didar Bains, often referred to as the “Peach King,” became the largest peach farmer in California and remains one of the most prominent Punjabi Americans in Yuba City and beyond. His son, Yuba County Supervisor Karm Bains, also took the stage to thank Buttacavoli for his contributions and to honor those who have kept both the Peach Festival and his father’s legacy alive.

The final award of the night, the John Sodaro “Onore” Award, was presented to Despina “Peppie” Schrader. Schrader has served as president of the Mary Aaron Museum for over 20 years and is widely regarded as a pillar of the community and a passionate advocate for historical preservation. She also previously served as president of the Bok Kai Festival organizing committee and has contributed to countless local initiatives through her involvement with the Kiwanis Club and other groups.

Woods’ Hamburgers takes home 1st Place in the Savory Category of the 2025 Tasty Treat Competition. Their peach BBQ burger stood out among dozens of entries. Peach Festival organizer Kary Hauck is pictured center-right.

“Anything happening that’s worthwhile, you see Peppie involved in it—and you know it’s something important,” said Branscum. “Through these efforts she has helped lift up local families and children, fostering a stronger, more connected community.”

Schrader appeared visibly surprised but expressed gratitude for the recognition. City Councilmember Brad Hudson was also honored during the event for his quick action in salvaging the region’s Fourth of July celebration after the tragic explosion at a fireworks facility in Esparto. Hudson was able to secure a new contractor on short notice, allowing the community to celebrate Independence Day on July 5 at Beckwourth Riverfront Park.

“A tragic thing happened, and lives were lost,” said Hudson. “But the Fourth of July is a celebration of our freedom, and I believe that that needs to continue to be celebrated on a regular basis, just to remind us of the people who died for our freedom.”

The Farmhouse Bakery team celebrates their 1st Place win in the Sweet Category of the 2025 Tasty Treat Competition at the Marysville Peach Festival. Their winning dessert—a peach pie—earned top honors from judges. Kary Hauck, one of the primary organizers of the Peach Festival, is pictured at right.

Following the awards, a team of volunteer judges sampled dozens of "peachy" dishes during the annual Tasty Treats Contest. Over a dozen vendors participated in either the savory or sweet category, vying for first or second place. In the savory category, first place went to Woods’ Hamburger with Peach BBQ Sauce, followed by Quenchies & Munchies with their Peach Salsa. The highly competitive sweets category awarded top honors to The Farmhouse Bakery’s Peach Pie, with second place going to Coco’s Creamery Peach Ice Cream Sandwich.

With expanded offerings, cooler weather, and growing attendance, organizers say this year’s festival marks a high point in its post-pandemic recovery—and a hopeful glimpse at its future.