JOHNSTON - Clouds threatened earlier, but ultimately sunshine prevailed at the 26th Annual Peach Blossom Festival Saturday in Johnston.

Chairperson Debra Aston said the festival "went real well," with more people attending than last year.

"Especially the children," she said. "There were more crafters and food vendors. Last year, we changed the date and some hadn't caught on. It was better this year. The date was permanently changed last year from the first weekend in April to the first weekend in May."

The festival officially opened with a welcome by Mayor Willie Campbell at 10 a.m., with arts and crafts, concessions, rides and entertainment by the Johnston Elementary School Chorus.

Highlighting the parade this year was the Fort Gordon Army Band who also performed immediately afterwards.

"They were new to the festival this year, but we hope to have them back every year," said Parade Chairman Roger Lamb. "The parade was slightly larger this year with 38 entries. It's amazing how many people want to come and do this. They have a lot of fun."

Entertainment from center stage lasted until 4 p.m. A Laughing Contest at noon was won by Maxine Gibson in the "Over 18" category and Katie Cleveland in the "Under 18" category.

Young children hung onto their balloons and stuffed animals while parents pushed their babies in strollers. Older children enjoyed the inflatables, and food vendors offered a variety of food including barbecue chicken and ribs, hot dogs, hamburgers and Sno Cones.

Brianna Griffin enjoyed an ice cream treat from Dip-n-Dots. Crafters offered birdhouses, T-shirts, jewelry, pocketbooks, Bible covers, honey, face painting, massages and more.

"I wouldn't miss it," said Jennifer Stratton of Johnston, while watching older children on the Bungee Jump, the hottest thing at the festival this year. "I come to every one. It's lots of fun."

Aston said both dances were successful.

The Street Dance on Friday night featuring D.J. Marion Turner was geared toward the younger crowd, she said, even though Turner plays a variety of music and people of all ages come out.

The Saturday night dance at the old National Guard Armory is for adults and this year featured D.J. Professor John Hook.

"People really enjoyed him," she said. "There was a good crowd."

The festival is sponsored by the Johnston Development Corporation and all proceeds to the betterment of the town.