They had a ‘peach’ of a time reminiscing

By DEVON COPELAND - dcopeland@thestate.com

There was no double-sided tape — no last-minute talent segment rehearsals.

These women had been there, done that — and worn the crown.

Twelve members of Gilbert Peach Festival’s “royalty” came together this past Saturday for a Peach Queen reunion tea party.

The inaugural event attracted former queens from the festival’s 50-year history.

“They’re all beautiful. Not just the way they look,” said Jillian Bryant, 2005 Peach Queen.

“They’re so Southern, so welcoming. It’s just been an honor really.”

The ladies spent the afternoon munching on sandwiches, sipping tea and sharing jokes.

Pam (Smith) Folk was excited to hear about the tea, but had one thought when she heard about the golden anniversary gathering.

“Well I hope I’m not the oldest,” the 1973 queen said before laughing.

It turned out that Folk, a breast cancer survivor, who served as the 2002 Walk for Life spokeswoman, didn’t have that distinction.

That honor went to Wannelle (Wilt) Lefkowitz, who earned the crown in 1967.

Lefkowitz said she hadn’t realized 41 years had passed since she’d been crowned.

She said being surrounded by the other queens brought memories flooding back.

Although the women have gone in different directions, and were crowned during different eras, Lefkowitz said they share a common thread that will always connect them.

“I think (it is) a love of small-town festivals and the community spirit the festival has always had.”

Nancy Harmon, who co-chairs the festival planning committee, was 12 when Gilbert hosted its first peach festival.

“It’s so fun to hear what they’re doing now,” Harmon said.

“I guess it’s kind of like watching part of your family grow and mature — to hear them share stories.”

Stacey (Kelly) Ashley said competing in the pageant eight years ago — her first — was a turning point. The Spanish teacher turned fitness instructor said she learned a lot about herself.

“You only have a couple of hours to prove you’re full of grace and poise,” she said.

“It brought out the more feminine side in me.”

While Ashley said she was coaxed into entering the festival’s pageant after losing a bet, she said she’s proud to be a part of Peach Festival history.

“It’s more than a stereotype. It’s women (who) are smart, intelligent, great women.”

Reach Copeland at (803) 771-8485.