Gilbert Community Club, the group behind the annual Lexington County Peach Festival, canceled the event for 2026.

The local Independence Day tradition spans 65 years, but was canceled during the pandemic. This year, the event is canceled due to a few of the club’s members attending the multi-day 250th celebration at the nation’s Capitol. 

The club said in a statement on their Facebook page and website, “Following a vote by our membership, the Gilbert Community Club has made the difficult decision not to hold the Lexington County Peach Festival in 2026.”

The post also says, “This decision was not made lightly. The Peach Festival requires tremendous coordination, planning, and countless volunteer hours from our Club members -- from organizing vendors and selling ice cream and concessions, to managing event logistics. This year, several of our members will be attending the 250th anniversary celebration of our nation's founding in Washington, D.C. -- a once-in-a-lifetime milestone. Without these individuals available to contribute to the festival's operations, we cannot ensure the quality experience our community has come to expect and deserves.”

Gilbert Mayor John Reeder said of the Friday announcement that the town and the Gilbert Community Club are separate entities, and the club is a non-profit. 

“All of us are disappointed, especially our residents along with the community," Reeder told the Chronicle. "We got the official notification Friday. I’ve spoken to several council members over the weekend, and I think we’ll be able to do something with council’s approval. Of course, we can’t call it the Peach Festival; that is a trademark of the Gilbert Community Club, and we wouldn’t want to infringe on their rights."

Reeder said he has been overwhelmed with messages from people who want to do something for the Fourth of July in Gilbert since the Peach Festival was an annual Independence Day tradition, bringing in thousands to the small town. He told the Chronicle that he and town council will talk about it at their next meeting on March 9.

The Gilbert Community Club is not only responsible for organizing the festival, but for maintaining the Gilbert Community Park located at 110 Rikard Circle. Their mission includes raising funds to promote local agriculture, foster a family environment in the community, and support and maintain the local community park.

The club meets on the first Thursday of the month at 713 Juniper Springs Rd., with the exception of June through August, according to their Facebook page. 

In previous discussions with the Chronicle, a representative from the club said it takes about a year to plan the festival. Their Facebook page had posted a callout for volunteers in August 2025.

The Chronicle has requested comment from the Gilbert Community Club.