The Johnston, S.C., Peach Blossom Festival is now accepting applications for those who sell arts and crafts and for food vendors for the 38^th Festival, which will be held May 7, 2022.

Those interested in having a crafter’s space at this year’s Festival should contact Donna Livingston.

Food vendors should contact Noah Peterson.

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 also taking applications for individuals, organizations, or businesses interested in being a part of the event.

Applications and expressions of interest are now being accepted in the following areas. Contact information for these coordinators is located on our Peach Blossom Festival page.

• Entertainment: Gaye Holmes, (803) 275-4234
• Parade: Debra Aston, (803) 275-2345
• Food Concessions: Noah Peterson, (803) 480-0135
• Arts and Crafts: Donna Livingston, (803) 275-7002
• Corporate Sponsorships: Dean Campbell, (803) 275-3635
• Program Book Ads: Debra Aston, (803) 275-2345

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 the continued promotion of Johnston.

The Johnston Peach Blossom Festival is now taking applications for individuals, organizations, and businesses interested in being a part of the historic 38^th annual event.

The Festival will be held May 7, 2022, in Johnston, known as the Peach Capital of the World. 

Each year, the Town goes all out with the Festival to remind citizens about the peach industry and to open its arms to visitors. 

Applications and expressions of interest are now being accepted in the following areas. Contact information for these coordinators is located on our Peach Blossom Festival page.

• Entertainment: Gaye Holmes, (803) 275-4234
• Parade: Debra Aston, (803) 275-2345
• Food Concessions: Noah Peterson, (803) 480-0135
• Arts and Crafts: Donna Livingston, (803) 275-7002
• Corporate Sponsorships: Dean Campbell, (803) 275-3635
• Program Book Ads: Debra Aston, (803) 275-2345

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 the continued promotion of Johnston.

The Johnston Development Corporation (JDC) has donated a set of holiday banners for downtown Johnston, which now hang in front of the Johnston Library on the Town’s light poles along Calhoun Street.

The JDC has now donated six sets of banners to the town over the past seven years, along with other gifts to the town, including benches and a Christmas tree.

The funds to buy the custom-made banners come from proceeds from the Peach Blossom Festival, which is sponsored by the JDC. 

The Johnston Development Corporation, a non-profit volunteer organization that has helped the Town of Johnston grow in many ways for over 30 years, 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. To learn more about the Johnston Development Corporation, visit the website at http://apl.a46.mywebsitetransfer.com/.

Both Agree to fund a Study to enhance economic vitality of the area

The Town of Johnston and the non-profit Johnston Development Corp. have agreed to partner on a strategic plan aimed at enhancing the economic development of the historic town.

The Strategic Plan will identify socioeconomic characteristics and business advances that will benefit the town’s future economic growth and development. It will also include a current economic analysis, competitive and internal analysis, a SWOT matrix (identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats), goals, and strategies. Finally, strategy implementation and policy recommendations will be provided.

The Development Corp. Board researched the best possible way to rebuild Johnston’s future economic growth. Their research showed that two University of South Carolina Aiken professors, Dr. Salena Porca and Dr. Julie Steen, have done many studies that have proven to be beneficial in the government and non-profit sectors.

The Development Corp. Board, which also sponsors the Town’s annual Peach Blossom Festival, voted unanimously to pay half of the $20,000 cost. The nonprofit group brought the proposal to the Johnston Town Council, which also unanimously approved funding the other half of this study in a meeting held earlier this week.

Johnston Mayor Terrence Culbreath said he and the Town Council are appreciative of the Development Corp. searching for ways to improve the Town vitality.

“Small towns across America are disappearing, while the rest are trying to find new ways to not only survive but also thrive!” Mayor Culbreath said. “In our case, I believe this Strategic Plan will layout a path that will give us an excellent opportunity to help our Town, our citizens, and businesses prosper. I’m excited about the possibilities.”

Dean Campbell, Development Corp. Board Chairman, agreed, adding that while many towns complain about their economic condition, he is pleased that Johnston, citizens and government officials are joining together to see all the opportunities that can be incorporated to move the town forward.

“I believe when this Strategic Study is complete, we will have a plan we can execute toward the goal of making Johnston better in so many areas,” Campbell said. “We are appreciative of the Town’s active participation and leadership.”

The study will include an in-depth look at many statistical factors. However, it will include input from government officials, community leaders, citizens, and other stakeholders, including a Town Hall-style meeting to gather citizen opinions.

This study is expected to be completed in April of next year.

The Johnston Development Corporation, a non-profit volunteer organization, 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.

The Johnston Development Corporation (JDC) is sponsoring its third of three Spring Community Concerts in the Park in Johnston on June 4.

The Concert, which will be held 7-8 p.m., is free and open to the public, and will be held in Mims Park in front of Johnston Elementary School. The concerts are designed to present a diversity of music for concert-goers to enjoy.

Performing at the Concert on Friday, June 4: Digital Vinyl – Based in the CSRA, Digital Vinyl performs songs from back in the days of records and turntables. They are a cover band that plays all your favorite classic rock, Southern rock, and blues.

This concert will be held rain or shine. In case of rain, the concert will be moved inside the Johnston Elementary School Gym. 

No coolers or alcohol will be allowed. Concert attendees should bring their own chairs.

The Johnston Development Corporation, a non-profit volunteer organization that has helped the Town of Johnston grow in many ways for over 30 years, 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.