Okra Strut - Annual Festival in Irmo, South Carolina!

Shortly after moving back to my home state of South Carolina, my husband and I were riding through the town of Irmo, located in Lexington County, not far from Columbia, the capital of SC. Irmo is not far from Lake Murray constructed between 1927 and 1930, covering an area of 78 square miles with 649 miles of shoreline. We saw banners and signs announcing the upcoming OKRA STRUT and began to question the locals and learned a most intersting and creative bit of history for the town of Irmo, SC.

The city of Irmo was chartered in 1890 and named for two officers of the local railroad, Irdell and Mosley - thus IRMO. In 1973 the Women's Club of Lake Murray and Irmo, interested in raising money to build a new library, wanted to do something special. Gene McKay, a WIS Radio personality was taken by the small, downtown Irmo store named "The Ancient Irmese General Store". Irmese, you ask? What were the Ancient Irmese? Mr. McKay thought perhaps they were probably short individuals, who were farmers and lived off of OKRA!

The first OKRA Strut was held in October of 1973 (nine years after I had moved from the Columbia area) and the Women's Club began the annual standing tradition of frying and selling Okra. In 1980 the Okra Strut was held outside for the first time. Through the years, many activities have added during the two day event. Just how does a community celebrate a slimy green veggie?

If you are ever in the Irmo, South Carolina region during September, check out this festival. A number of activities and events create a down-home, friendly atmosphere. The local golf club gets into the act and holds the Okra Strut Charity Golf Tournament. After golfing or watching the celebraties golf, why not take part in the Official Opening, which consist of a street dance, music provided by local musicians and a variety of activities. Of course, you will have the chance to take part in the Okra-Eating Contest. Did you know Okra can be eaten fried, curried, with potatoes or shrimp and the ever famous Chicken and Okra Gumbo?!

To end the first day of the Okra Strut, fireworks will fill the evening sky.