The Peach Festival was held in Gaffney on Saturday with a parade to begin the festivities. Peaches from Strawberry Hill were available.
OHN BYRUM/john.byrum@shj.com
Published: Sunday, July 15, 2012 at 3:15 a.m.
Last Modified: Sunday, July 15, 2012 at 1:20 a.m.
Led by the parents of a fallen Marine, about 150 members of the S.C. Army National Guard stationed in Gaffney received a standing ovation along the entire route of the S.C. Peach Festival parade Saturday.
Steve and Donna Fowlkes, the parents of U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Christopher Fowlkes, who died in 2009 after being critically injured by a roadside bomb while serving in Afghanistan, led the band of soldiers along the parade route.
The unit is leaving soon for a 12-month deployment to Kosovo ? the unit's third deployment since 2004.
?When you think about small town America and parades, we have those men to thank,? said Frank Scruggs, 72, of Gaffney. ?Those men and their families are willing to give the ultimate sacrifice. And to be able to stand here and show a little appreciation, it will bring tears to my eyes.?
The soldiers were grand marshals and led a line of princesses, politicians, church groups and a marching band through downtown Gaffney.
The parade, which lasted about 50 minutes, is a staple during the annual festival.
?This has been a really nice parade,? said Anna Cowan, 46, of Chesnee. ?It was sort of overcast earlier and it got warm at the end, but there were some nice floats.?
Chad Hurley of Spartanburg said he and his wife, Michelle, and two small children enjoyed barbecue cooked by teams from across the Southeast who competed in the barbecue competition.
?You can't beat good wings and good barbecue,? Hurley said. ?This is what summers in the South are all about.?
The festival continues on July 20 with the Miss S.C. Peach pageant at Granard Middle School. The Peach Jam with Colt Ford will be held on July 21 at Lake Whelchel.
The Mud Bog is scheduled for July 28 at Lake Whelchel.
Source: http://www.goupstate.com/article/20120715/articles/207151021
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