Gilbert, SC (WLTX) -- Gilbert, South Carolina knows a little something about celebrating the fourth of July. They also know a lot about peaches.
And they even use that know-how to turn peaches into tasty treats like peach ice cream and peach slush. Colden Harmon's mom has been running a peach slush stand since she was a little girl. And the drink is still among the most popular at the festival.
"The lines get longer and longer. You work faster and faster," said Harmon.
And, although, the peach slush is a smash with crowds, others like theirs the old fashioned way -- Picked right from the tree. Mother-son duo, Joanne and Travis Trapp, sell the fruit by the bag as a fundraiser. They also get a little help from Travis' friend, Devon Campbell.
"Both of the kids are from the band, they come out here and help," said Trapp.
The Gilbert community has been holding the festival for the past 54 years and it has become a huge part of many residents' lives.
Jim Sears and his grandaughter are regulars at the festival.
"We've been coming out here for thirty-something years. Her mother and her aunt have all been peach queens and all that kind of stuff, so we spend a lot of time out here," said Sears.
The entertainment, food and parade keep crowds entertained throughout the day. And even with the hot weather, people understand the reason for the season.
"It's a great feeling because you know they're coming after what you worked so hard and on what you worked to make," said Harmon. "It's just great knowing people will do that for you."
"This is a piece of America," said Sears.
After all, what's the red, white and blue without a little peach?