Irmo Okra Strut returns

Irmo returned to strutting its stuff on September 25 and 26.

The Lexington Medical Center’s Irmo Okra Strut Festival was held for the 47th time after being canceled last year in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

What started as a way for the Lake Murray-Irmo Woman’s Club to raise money for a new library, is now a two-day event featuring a Friday evening street dance, a Saturday morning parade, arts and crafts; rides and amusements; live bands and entertainment on Saturday as well as lots of festival food.

Attendance for the celebration averages around 25,000. Attendance for the 2021 Strut was not available as of press time. Money raised by the festival is put back into the community through charitable contributions to local civic and school organizations, for scholarships and improvements of public areas. Admission to the event is free.

This year’s musical headliners were The Finesse Band with Terence Young Friday night and Sister Hazel Saturday night.

COVID-19 safety protocols were in effect with wearing face masks and maintaining social distancing strongly encouraged. Volunteers walked the event handing out face masks and reminding attendees about safety protocols. There were also hand sanitation stations throughout the event.