On Saturday, June 20, 2015, Trenton will open its shaded park and inviting pathways for their Ridge Peach Festival. Those who have attended before know that “Trenton is a Special Place.” Those who never attended are invited to come out and witness why “Trenton is a Special Place.”

Every 3^rd Saturday in June for the past 45 years, starting way back in 1970, Trenton has welcomed the masses into their small southern town. So what makes Trenton a “Special Place?” The short answer is the people. But there is so much more that is attached to the word “people.” For the people are responsible for the great history and culture Trenton is associated with. There are many stories reflecting life in Trenton from the 1800’s on up to today. Most folks pass by and never realize what a unique place Trenton is. However, for those who are fortunate enough to stumble into Trenton for whatever reason, they with a deep appreciation for what the residents and visitors already know – “Trenton is a Special Place.”

American flags fly gently all over the town. While in town one will quickly realize that it’s still ok to wave at people driving down the street, whether they are known or not. Neighbors know each other and take time to speak and help each other out. The local postal workers call patrons by name. Some readers are old enough to remember when the Circus would come to town and what a special time that was. One tends to think of the Ridge Peach Festival the same way. It brings to the town a special homecoming atmosphere. Families may be scattered far and wide but everyone comes home for this special weekend. Trenton’s 300 or so residents and town officials beam with pride and enthusiasm knowing they have something that is hard to find and even harder to replicate. This “thing” is truly unique and tied to days gone by. It is still alive and well right here in Trenton. One can build a house, a town, an infrastructure, but if it doesn’t have a past and a present which are tied together by the folks who call it home, then there is no future. It is just not the same.

On the 3^rd Saturday in June friends and family make a point to reconnect in Trenton. Stories are told, laughter is heard, peach cobbler is consumed and more memories for future generations are made. Everyone reflects on times gone by and catches up on the present. Whether this will be a first trip to Trenton or whether a returning as a seasoned veteran, citizens welcome the visitors and look forward to meeting and speaking with them. The visitor will walk away with a smile on his face and a deep sense of contentment in having found a slice of Americana tucked away in peach country in a small, sleepy town called Trenton, South Carolina. It is a truly “Special Place.”

This year’s Festival will kick off Friday evening with a Gospel Concert starting at 6:00 p.m. Saturday’s itinerary starts early with arts and crafts vendors, food, the Country Store with homemade peach Cobbler; the parade is at 10:30, and kids ridges and games are available throughout the day.

Friday Night – “Ridge Peach Festival – Gospel Concert”

6:00 – 7:00   Bill Edwards

7:00 – 7:30   Ebenezer Baptist Church Choir

7:30 – 8:00   Shaw Creek Baptist Church Choir

8:00 – 8:30   Joe Hillary and Son

8:30 – 9:30    Billy Smith and the Radio Angels

Saturday

90+ Arts and Craft Vendors

Food Vendors – BBQ, Low Country Cuisine, Pizza, Hot Dogs/Burgers, Funnel Cakes, Country Store – Homemade Peach Cobbler, Canned Peaches, Homemade Jams, Peach Ice Cream and much more.

Parade – Starts at 10:30 AM
Fort Gordon Signal Corps Band, Grand Marshals (Garden Clubs of Trenton), Dignitaries, Antique Cars and Tractors, Shriners, Clowns and more.

Kids Rides / Games
Titanic Slide, Rock Climbing Wall, Water Walker, Bungee Jumper, Mechanical Bull, Petting Zoo, Camel Rides, Zip-Line and much more.

Softball Tournament

Entertainment – Sound System by John Olsen and Super Pro Sound

12:00 – 12:30 Fort Gordon Signal Corps Band

12:30 – 1:30 Palmetto Groove

Junior One Grand National Shag Champions on stage

1:30 – 2:00 Rhythm and Class Cloggers

2:00 – 2:40 Palmetto Groove

2:40 – 3:15 Rhonda McDaniel

3:15 – 4:00 Steel Justice Band

For more information – Call Mike Lipscomb (803) 480-5660.