Enjoying the day's activities on July 4th may make everyone seem a winner. The Peach Queens were crowned on June 28th; however, additional winners were recognized at the 11 a.m. program on July 4th. Among those were the oldest and youngest in attendance at the 56th Lexington County Peach Festival. Receiving the award as the oldest person in attendance for the second year in a row was this year's grand marshal, George Oswald of Gilbert. In his 90s, Mr. Oswald, a World War II army veteran, served at Normandy.
Ryles Ava Stidham, ten-day old daughter of Eric and Starla Stidham of Lexington, was recognized as the youngest person in attendance. Three years ago, Dani Rayne Stidham, Ryles' sister, also received the youngest person in attendance award.
Parade winners were also recognized for their efforts. Gilbert House of Terror won first place and Juli's School of Dance was awarded second place in the Commercial Nonprofessionally Decorated category. Comporium won first place in the Commercial Professionally decorated category, and Big Blue Marble received the second place award in that category. In the Civic Nonprofessionally Decorated category, Boy Scouts of America - Pack 60 won first place; and Gilbert High School FFA was awarded second place.
In the annual Peachy Contest, Dwayne Shumpert won first and second place in the Salads and Main Dishes category with his Pecan Encrusted Catfish Nuggets with Peach Creole Sauce and his Peach and Shrimp Salad with Peach Vinaigrette. Wendy Blair won first place in the Desserts category with her Not Your Mama Peach Cake. Geraldine Knowles' Peach and Blueberry Tartwas awarded second place. Entries had to include at least two cups of fresh peaches in each peachy dish in both categories of judging. First place winners in each category receive $75, and second place winners receive $50. Entries are judged on imaginative use of peaches, simplicity and ease of preparation, appearance, and taste.