By admin 
Earlier this year, a 65-year-old Fourth of July tradition was canceled. But following community support, and some criticism, organizers announced that the Lexington County Peach Festival was back on.
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Now, it’s almost here. On Saturday, the Fourth of July, the beloved festival promises fun, food and one of the biggest firework displays in the Midlands.
It begins at 8:30 a.m. at Gilbert Community Park. Here is the schedule of events.
- 8:30 a.m.: Car show
- 9 a.m.: Craft vendor market, carnival rides, food trucks and concessions
- 9:30 a.m.: Parade
- 10:30 a.m.: National anthem and live entertainment
- 2 p.m.: Car show awards
- 9:15 p.m.: Fireworks
Admission to the event is free. Parking is $5 per car, and will be available throughout the Town of Gilbert. Signage will be posted. Attendees are advised to arrive before 9 a.m. or after 10:30 a.m. to avoid potential traffic.
Don’t miss the local peaches. According to the festival website, they sell out quickly and are only available while supplies last.
Why was the festival originally canceled?
A cherished summer tradition for over 65 years, the Lexington County Peach Festival began in 1958 in the small town of Gilbert, when it had a population of less than 200 people that came alive during the summer, in time for harvesting, packing and shipping local peaches.
Few peach farms remain operating in the Midlands, but the Lexington County Peach Festival is still recognized as one of the most successful and prestigious events of its kind in the southeastern United States, drawing thousands of attendees annually.
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This year, for the first time ever, the festival felt unlikely.
Organizers with Gilbert Community Club, which hosts the festival, announced in February that members voted to call off the event this year because they believed they didn’t have enough personnel to run it.
“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,” the group wrote. “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.”
Following public outcry, the Gilbert Community Club posted another announcement on Feb. 27.
“Because of the community’s response, new volunteers stepping forward, sponsors leaning in, leaders offering support, we are beyond proud to announce: The Lexington County Peach Festival is back on for Saturday, July 4, 2026,” organizers posted on social media. “We don’t take this lightly. We’re moving forward because this festival is deeply important to us; it’s deeply important to you, our friends, neighbors and community.”
Over the last few months, organizers have eagerly shared that dozens of people had volunteered to help make the festival happen.
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