The State | Lexington County Peach Festival to feature 2 Coastal Carolina players

The State | Lexington County Peach Festival to feature 2 Coastal Carolina players

Coastal Carolina players Mike Morrison and Connor Owings are returning to their home town of Gilbert to take part in the parade and sign autographs afterward at the event’s welcome center, festival spokeswoman Robin McCartha said Friday.

Peach Pageants mark official start of festival events

Peach Pageants mark official start of festival events

The reigning Lexington County Peach Queen, Lindsey Morgan Roof, will crown her successor on Saturday, July 2.  Contestants vying for the title of 2016 Lexington County Peach Queen met with Lindsey and Pageant Chairs, Miriam Matthews and Kathy Hoffman at a tea on June 25.    Vying for the title of this year’s Peach Queen are Meagan Lynn Bostic, Catherine Hood Kirkland, Lexie deMoya, and Karoline Rose Kitchings.

Lindsey Morgan Roof Crowned Miss Lexington County Peach Queen

Lindsey Morgan Roof, Daughter of Gilman and Suzanne Roof of Lexington

We are very excited to announce the new Miss Lexington County Peach Queen, Lindsey Morgan Roof. Miss Roof was crowned on June 27th, 2015.

The Queen's court was also crowned in various divisions and age groups. View all division winners on our pageant page. Formal announcement to follow.

The State | Be There: Lexington County Peach Festival

The State | Be There: Lexington County Peach Festival

What started in 1959 as a Fourth of July community political “stump meeting” hosted by the Gilbert Community Club is now known as one of the largest festivals in South Carolina, bringing an estimated 35,000 people to the Lexington County town of Gilbert each year.

“It was started by a group of ladies who had the idea to have politicians come and meet with community members,” said Robin McCartha, publicity co-chair of the Peach Festival. “They quickly realized they could turn it into a community fundraiser by selling some drinks and cakes, and because we have a lot of peaches in Lexington County, they decided to make the desserts with peaches as a way to kind of honor the peach. I doubt they had any idea it would go on or grow as it has.”

Contestants set to compete in 2015 Lexington County Peach Queen Pageants

The reigning Lexington County Peach Queen, Kaylee Cuthbertson, will crown her successor on Saturday, June 27.  Contestants vying for the title of 2015 Lexington County Peach Queen met with Kaylee and Pageant Chairs, Miriam Matthews and Kathy Hoffman at a tea on June 20.    Vying for the title of this year’s Peach Queen are Jamie Vaughn, Lindsey Roof, Cat Corey, and Meera Rutuparna Bhonsle’.

Peach Queens present Governor Nikki Haley with Lexington County peaches

The 2014 Lexington County Peach Queens have completed one of their final honors as they presented Governor Nikki Haley with Lexington County peaches.  Lexington County Peach Queen Kaylee Cuthbertson was joined by Miss Young Peach Tessa Arquette, Miss Little Peach Sarah Adkins, and Miss Wee Peach Bailey Rowe as they visited the Governor at the South Carolina State House on June 16.

Winners of the 2014 Peach Festival

Enjoying the day's activities on July 4th may make everyone seem a winner. But there are a few who rose to the occasion and made people take notice. From the crowning of the Peach Queens, to the oldest and youngest in attendance, and from the parade awards to the winners of the Peach Recipe Contest, we're proud to honor those who took the prize.