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Simply put, the Lexington County July 4th Peach Festival, “it’s just what we do,” said Shelba Derrick Howard, Lexington County Peach Festival Coordinator.

Howard gave the opening remarks at the 2018 annual Pre-Peach Festival Banquet held last week at T&S Farms. The banquet is a “thank you” for the volunteer workers, sponsors, law enforcement, media and others who will be working and involved with the festival. She said we should give thanks for all of those who commit themselves to making Gilbert great and we should recognize that our community has been identified as a major tourist attraction.

Tammy Harman, Peach Festival Committee member, recognized the sponsors, media, law enforcement and special guests.

Miriam Matthews, Festival Pageant Co-Chair, recognized the 2017 Lexington County Peach Queens, who each talked about how much they enjoyed representing the Gilbert community. The reigning 2017 Peach Queens are Miss Wee Peach Dani Rayne Stidham; Miss Little Peach Abigail Grace Cooper; Miss Petite Peach Sarah Elizabeth Adkins; Miss Young Peach Emily Ryan Garris; Miss Teen Peach Lindsay Grace Holley; and Miss Lexington County Peach Queen Ryann Delaney Cranshaw.

Jean Fallaw, Peach

Festival Art and Craft Co-Chair and Planning Committee, talked about how everyone does such a great job of making guests feel welcome to Gilbert. She said it is like a family reunion every year.

The 60th 4th of July Peach Festival officially begins at 9:30 a.m. with a fly over the town by Bell Aviation in one of its antique airplanes. The parade Grand Marshal and program speaker this year is Molly Spear-man, SC Superintendent of Education. The morning program begins at 11 a.m. in the Gilbert Community Park Amphitheater. The winners of the parade and the Peachy Recipe contests will be announced and the new 2018 Lexington County Peach Queens will be introduced. At noon, a reading of the Declaration of Independence will be conducted by Rob Sanders, of IHeart Radio and afterwards Steven Craps will sing the National Anthem.

Several bands, individual artists, and groups will perform until late evening. Concessions will be sold, including the festival’s famous Peach Slush, peach ice cream and peach tea. Also, check out the Car Show which will be held at the Gilbert Middle School. Don’t forget to purchase your peaches early as they sell out very quickly. A street dance will be held at 9 p.m. and the annual fireworks show will begin at 10 p.m.