News Summary
The Irmo Okra Strut Festival is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary with the theme ‘The Golden Strut: 50 Years of Struttin’.’ Scheduled for September 25, the highlight will be a performance by country music artist Eddie Montgomery. The festival offers various events, with the parade on September 27, showcasing family fun, community spirit, and a beloved history rooted in local traditions. The festival funds community enhancements and is organized by dedicated volunteers.
Irmo, South Carolina is gearing up for a significant milestone as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival celebrates its 50th anniversary with the theme “The Golden Strut: 50 Years of Struttin’.” Scheduled for September 25, 2023, renowned country music artist Eddie Montgomery, one half of the duo Montgomery Gentry, is set to take the stage for a much-anticipated performance at the Harbison Theatre starting at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets for Montgomery’s concert are currently available for purchase, with general admission priced at $50. Discounts are offered for students, seniors, and military personnel at a rate of $45. This concert marks a highlight in the festival’s programming, which includes a variety of events spanning multiple days.
Following Montgomery’s performance, the festival will continue on September 26, 2023, featuring The Root Doctors at 7 p.m., followed by headliners Cowboy Mouth at Moore Park located at 7473 Church Street. Additional entertainment is expected on that day, with Rhythm 54 among the acts, and more performers to be announced soon.
The Irmo Okra Strut Parade is scheduled for September 27, 2023, at 9 a.m. The parade will commence at Crossroads Middle School, proceed along St. Andrews Road, turn onto Lake Murray Boulevard, and conclude at Irmo Elementary School. Adequate parking will be provided at the Irmo Wellness Center and Union United Methodist Church, with shuttle services operating to transport attendees between these lots, the festival site at Irmo Community Park, and Irmo Elementary School.
The Irmo Okra Strut Festival has its roots dating back to 1973, when it began as a small fundraiser for the town’s first library. Over the years, it has blossomed into a vibrant two-day festival characterized by family fun, community spirit, and local traditions. The Lake Murray-Irmo Women’s Club has been a consistent presence at the event, famously selling fried okra since its inception.
The festival is well-known for the inclusion of Mr. Okra Man, a beloved 15-foot-tall balloon character introduced in 1988 as part of a community effort. This iconic figure has become a staple of both the parade and the festival, delighting participants young and old.
Funds generated from the Irmo Okra Strut Festival are allocated towards various community enhancements, including scholarships and support for local fire and police stations. This financial contribution underscores the festival’s ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life in the area.
The festival is entirely organized and run by volunteers from the community, showcasing the dedication and hard work of Irmo residents who come together to celebrate shared values and local culture.
As the Irmo Okra Strut Festival approaches its 50th anniversary, excitement continues to build around the festivities, demonstrating the enduring legacy of this unique community event and the cherished traditions that accompany it.
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: Irmo Okra Strut Festival News
- Wikipedia: Irmo, South Carolina
- WIS News: Applications Open for Irmo Okra Strut Parade
- Google Search: Irmo Okra Strut Festival
- The State: Irmo Okra Strut Festival Coverage
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Festival
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
