Around Gilbert & SUMMIT

The 60th Lexington County 4th of July Peach Festival was well attended in our town of Gilbert. I believe it was a record crowd. It was also a good feeling to see so many people with smiles on their faces and wearing patriotic attire.   

This year the annual morning program was held at the amphitheater in the park. Al Harman, Peach Festival Co-Chairman, welcomed everyone. He said 60 years ago we would have been surrounded peach tree farms. He thanked all of the volunteers, past and present. Harman said if you look in the program book there are over 700 names of volunteers who have helped make the festival a success.

Al Harman introduced the special guests, who included U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson, Lexington County Councilman Larry Brigham, Attorney Genral Alan Wilson, and state Sen. Katrina Shealy. Guest speaker was state Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman, who was also the parade Grand Marshal.

Congratulations to these winners of the Peachy Desserts contest. In the Classic Peach Cobbler division, first place went to Denise Birt, and second place went to Tammy Harman. In the student division, first place went to Rece Howard. In the “Other Peach Dessert” category, first place went to Allison Harman, second place to Denise Birt and Mindy Smith, and Brittany Warner won an honorable mention. In the student division first place went to Ellie Harman.

During the morning program, Steven Crapps sang the National Anthem and Rob Sanders of iHeart Radio conducted a reading of the Declaration of Independence.

Several bands performed during the day at the festival. The 60th anniversary of the 4th of July Peach Festival ended with a magnificent fireworks display.

Beulah United Methodist Church invites the community to hear Christian comedian Tim Lovelace. He will perform July 22 at 6 p.m. He is a Grammy and Dove nominated artist and has been described as the most versatile comedian on stage today. Refreshments will be served and a love offering will be taken. The church is at 161 Beulah Church Road off of U.S. 378.