News Summary
Organizations are invited to apply for participation in the 50th Annual Irmo Okra Strut Festival, scheduled for September 26-27 at Moore Park. The deadline for applications is September 7. This festival, rooted in community engagement since its inception in 1973, will feature food, entertainment, and the traditional parade. The event supports local initiatives, making it a cornerstone of the Irmo community.
Irmo, South Carolina – Applications are now open for organizations wishing to participate in the 50th Annual Irmo Okra Strut Festival, which will be held on September 26-27 at Moore Park. The deadline for applications is September 7. This yearly festival has become a hallmark of community engagement and celebration in Irmo.
The Irmo Okra Strut began its journey in 1973 as a small fundraiser aimed at supporting the town’s first library, initiated by the Lake Murray-Irmo Women’s Club. Over the years, the grassroots event has flourished into a vibrant two-day festival that fosters family-friendly activities and celebrates the spirit of the Irmo community.
The concept for the festival was whimsical in its inception, originating from local radio host Gene McKay’s humorous reference to a mythical farming tribe that supposedly thrived solely on okra. As a tribute to the local culture and agriculture, the first Okra Strut featured fried okra prepared by the Women’s Club alongside a modest selection of arts and crafts vendors.
Throughout its history, the Okra Strut has seen substantial growth, evolving into a major community event. The introduction of the iconic “Mr. Okra Man,” a giant balloon character created by Judy Folk in 1988, further solidified the event’s identity. This beloved character has become a fixture at the festival, charming attendees of all ages.
The festival plays an essential role in fundraising for numerous community projects. The proceeds from the event have supported a variety of initiatives, including improvements to sidewalks, enhancements for local fire and police stations, and the establishment of scholarships for high school seniors in the area.
As for this year’s Okra Strut, festivities will kick off on Friday, September 29, from 6 p.m. to midnight. The highlight of the festival will be the traditional parade on Saturday, September 30, starting at 9 a.m. The parade will follow a route from Crossroads Intermediate School to Irmo Elementary along St. Andrews Road, showcasing local groups and community spirit.
Following the parade, attendees can enjoy a plethora of food vendors, exhibits, and entertainment in Irmo Community Park. This combination of attractions ensures there is something for everyone, making it a fun-filled experience for families and individuals alike.
The Irmo Okra Strut remains a volunteer-run event, a testament to the strong community involvement and support that defines Irmo’s culture. Volunteers from across the region actively contribute their time and effort to ensure a successful festival each year, embodying the collective dedication to community values and local heritage.
As preparations ramp up for this significant milestone, the organizing committee encourages local organizations and community members to participate in the festival. This year’s 50th anniversary promises to be a memorable celebration of Irmo’s rich history and vibrant community spirit.
All interested organizations should ensure their applications are submitted before the close date on September 7 to take part in this year’s festivities.
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Additional Resources
- WIS TV: Applications Open for Annual Irmo Okra Strut Parade
- Wikipedia: Irmo, South Carolina
- The State: Weather News
- Google Search: Irmo Okra Strut
- WLTX: Irmo Okra Strut Returns Despite COVID-19 Concerns
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Irmo Okra Strut
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.
