Join the Irmo Okra Strut for Another Year of Family Fun and Memories
September 18, 2018 – Irmo, SC – The 2018 Irmo Okra Strut presented by Lexington Medical Center will be held Friday, September 28th and Saturday, September 29th at Irmo Community Park, located at 7507 Eastview Drive in Irmo, S.C.
“This has always been an event for every member of our community, young and old,” said Larry Slaughter, Chairman of the Okra Strut Commission. “A safe, fun, family event has been central to our mission in addition to engaging the whole community in a festival that is designed to give back.”
New this year, to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the event, festival goers are encouraged submit photos and stories of past Okra Struts via the website and social media. If you have been a part of the Okra Strut’s history, we want to share your memories.
The Okra Strut Commission strives to find unique ways to grow the festival every year. An exciting addition to this year is “Under the Canopy”. Both Friday and Saturday night festival attendees are invited to attend a fairy-tale like picnic setting where they can partake in area foods such as; crab legs from Ashley's Yummy Tummy, Hand-dipped fried chicken or shrimp from Carmen's of Atlanta, Turkey Legs from Middle Eastern Grill, Okra Eggrolls from Filipino American Association of greater Columbia, and of course the best fried okra around from the Lake Murray - Irmo Woman's Club! There will also be a variety of acts performing Under the Canopy to add to this family friendly experience.
Friday night will feature the Okra Strut’s famous street dance. Local favorites, the Root Doctors will be headlining, with the Black Water Rhythm and Blues Band opening so fans can party the night away. Come learn how to do the Okra Strut dance, all ages are encouraged to break out their best moves under the stars to some old and new favorite tunes. Once you’ve enjoyed the music don’t forget to take advantage of Friday’s Ride-All-Night wristbands for $15. All of the night’s festivities will kick off around 6pm.
Saturday brings back more fun, beginning at 9am the Okra Strut Parade will march down St. Andrew’s Road. The Okra Strut puts on one of the biggest and best parades in South Carolina and this year’s is going to continue that tradition. The day will continue with more rides, arts and crafts, food vendors, our Okra Eating Contest and other local talent on the mainstage. Some of this local talent will include a showcase of student performances from Freeway Music, The Okra Strut is exceptionally excited to present these gifted artists to the community. Enjoy another night Under the Canopy while listening to the Okra Strut’s first Americana Rock night starting around 6pm. The Midland’s own Rob Crosby will open for the headlining musical act, The Weight Band – featuring members of The Band and the Levon Helm Band. Enjoy good food, cold drinks, and make the end of summer 2018 one to remember.
“All proceeds from the festival find their way back into the community” said Slaughter. “Whether that is in the form of contributions to local charities, scholarships to local high schoolers, or neighborhood improvements, we are proud to belong to Irmo.”
The Okra Strut is a two-day festival drawing as many as 60,000 people to Irmo each year. The event is a free festival and requires no admission price thanks to our generous sponsors. As an added convenience, complimentary shuttles will also be available from remote parking lots, look for the signs on the day of the festival. Individual fees do apply for rides, amusements, and food and beverage concessions but it is free to attend.
The event is organized by the Okra Strut Commission which was established as part of the Town of Irmo code. It gives back to the community every year and provides an opportunity for local businesses and talent to get in front of thousands of people. For more information and to find out how you can get involved visit OkraStrut.com.
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