There is no better way to begin the spring season than with a family-friendly festival. The Iris Festival, a family favorite and one of South Carolina’s longest-running festivals, is right around the corner. Here is all you need to know about this lovely upcoming event:
What is the Iris Festival?
The Sumter Iris Festival is a three-day event scheduled for May 16th, 17th, and 18th this year. The festival was first established in 1940 and became a staple amongst the Southern populace. It is now a family-friendly celebration bringing together unique crafts, artworks, live music and entertainment, tantalizing foods, and, of course, the native flora of South Carolina, most notably the Japanese iris. The festival also has several activities exclusively for young kids!
People from the US and even Canada come to experience this exclusive event, which draws notable coverage from travel gurus, social media, and live telecasts. The event is centered at the Swan Lake Iris Gardens in Sumter, South Carolina, which houses several varieties of swans, but that’s not the focal point of this celebration. The celebration centers around the many Japanese iris flowers budding in the landscape.
A Bit of History of Sumter Iris Festival
The Sumter Iris Festival began in 1940 when a wealthy businessman, Hamilton Carr Bland, attempted to landscape his gardens with Japanese Irises. Unfortunately, the landscaping expedition didn’t go as planned, and he ordered the irises to be dug up and thrown into the lake. In a surprising turn of events, the stubborn irises bloomed again the following spring, catching the attention of locals. And so, the Iris Week festival was founded in the very same part, which now houses over 120 varieties of Iris.
What to Expect at The Iris Festival Sumter SC?
The Iris Festival is a welcoming treat for those wishing to escape into the enchanting and tranquil beauty of the region’s horticultural heritage. The locals come to explore the blooming Irises, shop from local vendors, and enjoy a shared appreciation of gardening.
- Vendors: The event usually features countless local vendors selling their crafts and arts, clothing, candles, produce, toys, clothing, seeds, flowers, and a wide array of foods and beverages. On average, over 200 vendors set up shops at the festival every year.
- Irises for Sale: Yes, seeing as the festival is all about celebrating the blooming Irises, you can expect some irises to be on sale at the gardens.
- Taste At the Gardens: The area’s finest restaurants, chefs, and caterers come together for a “Taste at The Gardens” featuring live music and serving mouthwatering delights.
- Family-Friendly Activities: The Iris Festival in Sumter SC features several family-friendly games, activities, and themed entertainment that the entire family can enjoy.
Ticketing
The event will run from May 16th to May 18th from 10 AM to 6 PM on Friday and Saturday and 10 AM to 5 PM on Sunday. There is no admission or parking fee for the Iris Festival!
