Growing and Promoting the Johnston Area

Growing and Promoting the Johnston Area

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Johnston Peach Blossom Festival on Tap for May 6

April 28, 2023 By JohnDevCorp

Grand Marshal is former Apollo Astronaut Charles Duke; Scholarship Winner is Ben Jolly

Former Astronaut Charles Duke is this year’s Festival Grand Marshal
Former Astronaut Charles Duke is this year’s Festival Grand Marshal

May 6, the Johnston, SC, Peach Blossom Festival will showcase great entertainment, arts and crafts, food concessions, a parade, an area for children, a cruise-in, and much more. The popular Festival is now in its 39th year.

The parade Grand Marshal this year is Charles Duke, a former astronaut who walked on the moon 51 years ago.

The 87-year-old is one of only four living astronauts who have walked on the moon.

Charles lived in Johnston during 1943-44 before moving to Florida and later to Lancaster, SC, where Charles and his twin, Bill, were raised.

As an adult, Charles decided to follow his father into the military and went to the U.S. Naval Academy. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a U.S. Air Force officer.

He is an American former astronaut, U.S. Air Force officer, and a test pilot. As lunar module pilot of Apollo 16 in 1972, he became the tenth and youngest person to walk on the moon at age 36.

A public reception for Charles Duke will be held at 1 p.m. at the Edgefield County Chamber of Commerce Office in downtown Johnston.

Robert Herlong Scholarship

Robert H. Herlong Scholarship Winner Ben Jolly
Robert H. Herlong Scholarship Winner Ben Jolly

This year, the Robert H. Herlong Scholarship Award winner is Ben Jolly.

Ben is active in the community and in his church, Edgefield First Baptist Church (EFBC).

Ben is actively involved in EFBC’s furniture and clothing ministry, the Blessed Bedzzz program, Men’s Ministry, the Baptist Association’s Churches Changing Communities 365, and vacation bible school.

Part of the furniture and clothing ministries allows him to help sort and hang donated clothing, as well as deliver clothes. He is actively involved in picking up donated furniture, organizing it in the warehouse, and delivering/setting it up in recipients’ homes.

Blessed Bedzzz is a new program with the goal of every child in Edgefield County having his/her own bed. Each recipient gets a new twin mattress, frame, pillow, and Bible.

The Men’s Ministry constructs ramps for the elderly, sick, and handicapped, and all materials and labor are free of charge.

The Strom Thurmond High School baseball and sports medicine programs also provide him with volunteer opportunities through baseball camps and weekly visits to special needs classes at JET and Strom Thurmond.

Festival Activities

The Festival begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, when crafters and food vendors open and entertainment begins. The parade is held at 10:30 a.m. A Cruise In will bring in many vehicles for participants to enjoy. The cars will be available for viewing after the parade through about 3 p.m. in the parking lot of All About Performance (formerly Jim Satcher Motors).

All events are held in historic downtown Johnston.

The Johnston Peach Blossom Festival Premier Sponsor is AT&T.

Other Corporate Sponsors are Edgefield County Health Care, J.W. Yonce and Sons, Spanky’s Service Center/Ridge Auto Parts and Supply, US Fibers, Dominion Energy, Bridgestone, Herlong Ford, KJs Market, SRP Federal Credit Union, Creative Catering and First Citizens Bank, Johnston.

This year’s Johnston Peach Blossom Festival Entertainment Sponsors are Dr. Hugh Morgan Family Practice, Moorecraft Cabinets, Trantech Radiator Products, Pendarvis Chevrolet, Titan Farms, Generac, and Tidwell Jewelers.

Thousands of patrons descended on Johnston each year to enjoy the day set aside to honor the peach industry, which has been so important in the development of the area. Each year, the Town goes all out with the Festival to remind citizens about the peach industry and to open its arms to visitors.

Filed Under: 2023, News

Singers, Bands, and Dancers Headline Entertainment at This Year’s Johnston Peach Blossom Festival

April 21, 2023 By JohnDevCorp

The Johnston, S.C., Peach Blossom Festival entertainment for the day is now set, with a variety of performers for the May 6 event.

The day’s entertainment begins at 9 a.m. with local band Steel Justice kicking off the day. At 9:30 a.m., the JET Middle School Chorus takes the stage. At 10 a.m., the Abney Family will perform.

At 10:30 a.m., the parade will be held in downtown Johnston.

Beginning at 11 a.m. will be a prayer of dedication by Rev. Willie Abney, Bland Baptist Church, Johnston. Next will be the presentation of the colors, followed by the National Anthem, performed by Karalynn Hecker, Strom Thurmond High School Senior Gifted and Talented Choral Student.

Next, Johnston Mayor Thomas Holmes will provide the welcome, recognize the dignitaries and Peach Blossom queens, and recognize Grand Marshal Charles Duke.

At noon, the Johnston Elementary School Chorus will perform, followed by Rhythm and Class Dance Studio, North Augusta, at 12:30 p.m.

At 1 p.m., the weigh-in to determine winners for the Bass Fishing Tournament will be held in front of the Edgefield County Chamber of Commerce Building.

A public reception for Charles Duke will be held at 1 p.m. at the Edgefield County Chamber of Commerce Office in downtown Johnston

Entertainment is always a big hit with patrons at the Johnston Peach Blossom Festival
Entertainment is always a big hit with patrons at the Johnston Peach Blossom Festival.

On the entertainment stage from 1-2 p.m., Band of Ages, which plays classic rock hits, performs. They are followed at 2:15 p.m. by Cedar Creek Church. From 3-4 p.m., the entertainment ends as it started, with Steel Justice providing live music.

The entertainment is free and concludes about 4 p.m.

This year’s Johnston Peach Blossom Festival Entertainment Sponsors are Dr. Hugh Morgan Family Practice, Moorecraft Cabinets, Trantech Radiator Products, Pendarvis Chevrolet, Titan Farms, Generac, and Tidwell Jewelers.

Thousands of patrons descended on Johnston each year to enjoy the day set aside to honor the peach industry, which has been so important in the development of the area. Each year, the Town goes all out with the Festival to remind citizens about the peach industry and to open its arms to visitors.
The popular Festival is taking applications for individuals, organizations or businesses interested in being a part of event in the areas of:

  • Arts and Crafts: Donna Livingston, (803) 275-7002, P.O. Box 311, Johnston, SC 29832
  • Parade: Parade: Jenny Herlong, (803) 480-2595, 607 Edisto Street, Johnston, SC, 29832

The Johnston Peach Blossom Festival Premier Sponsor is AT&T.

Other Corporate Sponsors are Edgefield County Health Care, J.W. Yonce and Sons, Spanky’s Service Center/Ridge Auto Parts and Supply, US Fibers, Dominion Energy, Bridgestone, Herlong Ford, KJs Market, SRP Federal Credit Union, Creative Catering and First Citizens Bank, Johnston.

The Johnston Development Corporation, a non-profit volunteer organization, sponsors the Festival. The Corporation works to aid the community in areas such as economic development, education, recreation, historic preservation, tourism, scientific and cultural opportunities, and continued promotion of Johnston.

Entertainment is always a big hit with patrons at the Johnston Peach Blossom Festival.
Entertainment is always a big hit with patrons at the Johnston Peach Blossom Festival.

Filed Under: 2023, News

Chamber Sponsors Night of Games as Lead-in Event to the Johnston Peach Blossom Festival; Friday Night Street Dance is Back!

April 13, 2023 By JohnDevCorp

Some of the Night of Game players enjoying the games from last year.
Some of the Night of Game players enjoying the games from last year

Citizens can participate in two events that lead into the Johnston Peach Blossom Festival: A Night of Games sponsored by the Edgefield County Chamber of Commerce and a Friday Night street dance.

The Night of Games will be held on Thursday, May 4, at 6 p.m., American Legion Building, 99 Edisto St., Johnston. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Proceeds benefit Chamber programs.

Game cards are $10 for one card or $15 for two cards for 18-20 games.

The street dance will be held Friday, May 5, in front of Johnston Town Hall on Mims Avenue. The dance, which will run from 7-10 p.m.

The popular Festival, which will be held May 6, is also taking applications for individuals, organizations or businesses interested in being a part of the event in these areas:

  • Pageant: April 29. Applications can be obtained from Gina Logue, 1129 Hwy. 378 East, Edgefield SC, 29824, 803-480-0826; or for more information contact Janice Cleveland, (803) 334-2507
  • Arts and Crafts: Donna Livingston, (803) 275-7002, P.O. Box 311, Johnston, SC 29832
  • Parade: Parade: Jenny Herlong, (803) 480-2595, 607 Edisto Street, Johnston, SC, 29832
  • Food Concessions: Noah Peterson, (803) 480-0135, P.O. Box 282, Johnston, SC 29832

The Johnston Peach Blossom Festival Premier Sponsor is AT&T.

Other Corporate Sponsors are Edgefield County Health Care, J.W. Yonce and Sons, Spanky’s Service Center/Ridge Auto Parts and Supply, US Fibers, Dominion Energy, Bridgestone, Herlong Ford, KJs Market, SRP Federal Credit Union, Creative Catering and First Citizens Bank, Johnston.

This year’s Johnston Peach Blossom Festival Entertainment Sponsors are Dr. Hugh Morgan Family Practice, Moorecraft Cabinets, Trantech Radiator Products, Pendarvis Chevrolet, Titan Farms, Generac, and Tidwell Jewelers.

Thousands of patrons descended on Johnston each year to enjoy the day set aside to honor the peach industry, which has been so important in the development of the area. Each year, the Town goes all out with the Festival to remind citizens about the peach industry and to open its arms to visitors.

The Johnston Development Corporation, a non-profit volunteer organization, sponsors the Festival. The Corporation works to aid the community in areas such as economic development, education, recreation, historic preservation, tourism, scientific and cultural opportunities, and continued promotion of Johnston.

Filed Under: 2023, News

Great Sponsors Support the Johnston Peach Blossom Festival

March 30, 2023 By JohnDevCorp

Festivals are fun for everyone, but great sponsors make it possible.

Festival goers enjoy crafts and food
Corporate Sponsors at the Johnston Peach Blossom Festival ensure a good time can be had by all!

The sponsors of the Johnston, S.C., Peach Blossom Festival, which will be held May 6, 2023, make it possible to keep the Festival free or low-cost for patrons. In addition, it helps raise additional money that can be used to reinvest in the Johnston area.

The Johnston Peach Blossom Festival Premier Sponsor is AT&T.

Other Corporate Sponsors are Edgefield County Health Care, J.W. Yonce and Sons, Spanky’s Service Center/Ridge Auto Parts and Supply, US Fibers, Dominion Energy, Bridgestone, Herlong Ford, KJs Market, SRP Federal Credit Union, Creative Catering and First Citizens Bank, Johnston.

This year’s Johnston Peach Blossom Festival Entertainment Sponsors are Dr. Hugh Morgan Family Practice, Moorecraft Cabinets, Trantech Radiator Products, Pendarvis Chevrolet, Titan Farms, Generac, and Tidwell Jewelers.

Last year, thousands of patrons descended on Johnston to enjoy the day set aside to honor the peach industry, which has been so important in the development of the area. Each year, the Town goes all out with the Festival to remind citizens about the peach industry and to open its arms to visitors.

The popular Festival is taking applications for individuals, organizations or businesses interested in being a part of event in these areas:

  • Pageant: April 29. Applications are available for download and can also be obtained from Gina Logue, 1129 Hwy. 378 East, Edgefield SC, 29824, (803) 480-0826; or for more information, contact Janice Cleveland, (803) 334-2507
  • Arts and Crafts: Donna Livingston, P.O. Box 311, Johnston, SC 29832, (803) 275-7002
  • Parade: Parade: Jenny Herlong, 607 Edisto Street, Johnston, SC, 29832, (803) 480-2595
  • Food Concessions: Noah Peterson, P.O. Box 282, Johnston, SC 29832, (803) 480-0135

To contact the Johnston Development Corporation for more information about the Peach Blossom Festival, please use our contact form or the contact numbers above.

The Johnston Development Corporation, a non-profit volunteer organization, sponsors the Festival.  The Corporation works to aid the community in areas such as economic development, education, recreation, historic preservation, tourism, scientific and cultural opportunities, and continued promotion of Johnston.

Two young boys carry a Peach Blossom Festival parade banner
Corporate Sponsors at the Johnston Peach Blossom Festival ensure a good time can be had by all!

Filed Under: 2023, News

Former Apollo Astronaut to Serve as Grand Marshal for Johnston, SC, Peach Blossom Festival

March 23, 2023 By JohnDevCorp

Charles Duke, a former astronaut who walked on the moon 51 years ago, is the Grand Marshal for the 39th Annual Johnston, SC, Peach Blossom Festival.

Astronaut Charles Duke

The 87-year-old is one of only four living astronauts who have walked on the moon.

When Charles was 6 years old, his family lived in Charlotte, NC. During that time, Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japanese. In response, Charles’ father joined the Navy, and the family followed him to California. Later, he was sent overseas and that’s when Charles’ family came to his grandmother’s home in Johnston to live.

Charles lived in Johnston during 1943-44 before moving to Florida and later to Lancaster, SC, where Charles and his twin, Bill, were raised. 

As an adult, Charles decided to follow his father into the military and went to the U.S. Naval Academy. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as an U.S. Air Force officer. 

He is an American former astronaut, U.S. Air Force officer, and a test pilot. As lunar module pilot of Apollo 16 in 1972, he became the tenth and youngest person to walk on the moon at age 36.

A 1957 graduate of U.S. Naval Academy, Mr. Duke served three years as a fighter pilot in West Germany. In April 1966, he was one of 19 men selected for NASA’s 5th group of astronauts. In 1969, he was a member of the astronaut support crew for Apollo 10. He served as CAPCOM for Apollo 11, the first crewed landing on the moon.

Mr. Duke retired from NASA on January 1, 1976.

The Johnston Development Corporation, a non-profit volunteer organization, sponsors the Festival.  The Corporation works to aid the community in areas such as economic development, education, recreation, historic preservation, tourism, scientific and cultural opportunities, and continued promotion of Johnston.

Media Note: Charles Duke is holding a press conference to answer any media questions at 12:30 p.m., May 6, in the Edgefield County Chamber of Commerce Office, 416 Calhoun St., Johnston, SC. A public reception will be held immediately following the press conference. Media members interested in attending the press conference should contact Dean Campbell at pdeanc@bellsouth.net.

Filed Under: 2023, News

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Latest News

  • Johnston Peach Blossom Festival on Tap for May 6
  • Singers, Bands, and Dancers Headline Entertainment at This Year’s Johnston Peach Blossom Festival

Peach Blossom Festival Applications

PDF icon Arts and Crafts
PDF icon Food Vendors
PDF icon Parade
PDF icon Rides and Games
PDF icon Beauty Pageant

Latest News

  • Johnston Peach Blossom Festival on Tap for May 6
  • Singers, Bands, and Dancers Headline Entertainment at This Year’s Johnston Peach Blossom Festival
  • Chamber Sponsors Night of Games as Lead-in Event to the Johnston Peach Blossom Festival; Friday Night Street Dance is Back!

2023 Peach Blossom Festival Applications

PDF icon Arts and Crafts
PDF icon Food Vendors
PDF icon Parade
PDF icon Rides and Games
PDF icon Beauty Pageant

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Edgefield County
Edgefield County Chamber of Commerce

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