VALDOSTA — Morven continued a tradition on Saturday that has been bringing people from afar for 21 years: the annual Peach Festival. Morven’s 21st Peach Festival hosted 80 vendors offering food, clothing and crafts.
Among the entertainers was 13-year-old Josh Arnold, a homeschooled student who wowed the crowd with classic rock, blues, and tunes from various television theme songs. Marla Myers, Arnold’s aunt, said Josh has excelled in six different string instruments.
“I’ve been playing two years. I just got bored one day, honestly, and taught myself how to play. I thought it was fun. I hope they let me play again next time,” said Arnold. Other entertainment included the Loud Ladies of Unique Destination from Brooks County High School with stepping performance and Jimmy Wortman, Glenn Lewis, Scott Morey, and William Sims all provided a variety of musical and vocal entertainment.
Sandy Rentz, chairperson of the Peach Festival, and Patty Hancock of the Peach Festival committee agreed that this year’s festival featured one the biggest crowds in the event’s history.
Willie “Gatortail” Jackson, 65, a well-known figure born and raised in Morven, comes all the way from Miami to enjoy the Peach Festival. He has only missed two of the 21 Peach Festivals. “My whole family has been here forever. ... We grew up picking the peaches that Festival celebrates. Now, all we need is to incorporate some black entertainment to include everyone because the Peach Festival has definitely grown and changed. And it’s always good.”
The Peach Festival began with the Peach Parade and a bake-off contest, won by Carolyn White.
Some of the vendors included The Georgia Pastry Company, St. James Episcopal Church of Quitman, Watkins Products Since 1868, KVK Catering, Margie Vollenweider Crafts, Bare Necessities, Paws-A-tively Yummy Treats and The Mailbox Club.
The Sassy Boutique returned for its second year and owner Stephanie Daughtrey said “It’s even bigger and better this year with even more people so we actually transitioned into two booths this year.”
The Brooks County 4-H Horse Club raffled off multiple gift cards for restaurants and services, horse care items and hay and feed.
Edna’s Jewelry and More of Valdosta was at the Peach Festival for the first time. Owner Edna Minnis said, “It was rewarding for me to come. There are a lot of people here to meet.”
Wentangi, owned by Wendy Houser, and HNG Creations, owned by Hope White, were present to offer unique and stylish creations and team paraphernalia beyond the average for the fans who like teams such as the University of Miami, Georgia Tech and the Seminoles.
White and Houser agreed that the fellowship that was offered by the Peach Festival was highly enjoyable.
Sheila Williams, accompanied by her husband, Larry, came from Douglas to share Designs by Sheila with the community. Designs by Sheila features an array of hand-painted glass hummingbird feeders, soap dispensers, wine caddies and more, all designed using the one-stroke painting technique. “I’ve always done crafts. I went to Orlando and took a class on the one stroke painting technique by Donna Dewberry and I’ve been doing it ever since to create works of art on common household items.”
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People roam the different vendors and booths under the pine trees in Ernest Lawson Park Saturday during the Morven Peach Festival.
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Jimmy Workman plays and sings at the Morven Peach Festival Saturday in Ernest Lawson Park.
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