2017 iris festival guide

2017

iris festival

GUIDE

2 GUIDE TO THE IRIS FESTIVAL 2017 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUMTER ITEM

GUIDE TO THE IRIS FESTIVAL 2017 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUMTER ITEM 3

iris festival CHAIRMAN’S LETTER The Sumter Iris Festival Commission is so excited to celebrate its 77th Anniversary May 26 – 28, 2017 at Swan Lake Iris Gardens.

This event is Sumter’s oldest and largest festival. The event was first held in 1940, and from the very beginning has brought thousands of people from around the state to our great city. This year’s festival has some special surprises in store that we hope you will really enjoy. We look forward to welcoming people from across the Southeast and we hope their stay will be a great one.

The Iris Festival is an annual tradition and has been named one of the “Top 20 Events” by the Southeast Tourism Society, as well as one of the Top 100 Events in the United States to visit by the American Bus Association.

As in years past, this year’s festival will be filled with entertainment the entire family can enjoy. From the kid’s area in the Heath Gardens to the Garden Street side, there is something for everyone. All Friday through Sunday events, including all the children’s activities, are free!

The fun begins on Thursday, May 25 with the Taste of the Gardens. The “Taste” offers great food, prepared by local restaurants and individuals, and music for everyone to enjoy. No need to purchase food tickets this year.

Cash will be accepted by the vendors.

We are excited to welcome “Chief Complaint” as our musical guests during the Taste. Tickets are available at the gate for a $5 donation and children 5 and under are admitted FREE. The event is from 6 – 9 p.m.

On Friday, May 26th, while the Arts & Crafts and Marketplace vendors are setting up, Palmetto Health Tuomey Community Health Initiatives will offer free health screenings at the Swan Lake Visitors Center from 9:00 –

11:00 a.m. The screening requires a 12 – hour fast. There will also be a special Senior Expo on Friday this year.

The Iris Festival Commission is very excited to have a special guest artist this year. South Carolina artist Ernest “The Chicken Man” Lee will be at the festival all weekend long painting special pieces on-site. He will be offering his famous “chicken” paintings in the Bland Gardens on the Gazebo side of the gardens.

All three days of the festival are packed with things to see and explore along with live entertainment. The festival admission is FREE. Ongoing events throughout the festival include Art in the Gardens, Gateway to Gardening, Arts & Crafts, Food Court, Marketplace, ”Just Kidding Around” Children’s Area (Fairway and Garden Side), two car shows, Children’s Art in the Park and much more. Check the Iris Festival brochure for the times of the events you would like to participate in during the festival.

I would like to thank everyone who has worked with the 2017 Iris Festival and give a special thanks to the Swan Lake Garden staff, who keep the gardens beautiful all year. I would also like to thank our sponsors because without them, we could not offer this wonderful event to the public at no admission charge each year.

Most of all, we want to pass along a big “THANK YOU” to our community for all the support and encouragement that it gives us throughout the year. It is truly special to offer this event each year and it is only possible because Sumter is the best community anywhere!

We hope you enjoy all the events and we will see you at the gardens!

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4 GUIDE TO THE IRIS FESTIVAL 2017 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUMTER ITEM

CHAIRMAN’S LETTER

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GUIDE TO THE IRIS FESTIVAL 2017 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUMTER ITEM 5

iris festival ARTS AND CRAFTS Welcome to the “Gamecock City” here in Sumter, South Carolina. And, welcome to the world famous Swan Lake Iris Gardens which is known for its array of beautiful irises and home to all seven species of swans.

The stage is set and the beautiful weather is here as we present the 77th Annual Iris Festival “Arts & Crafts Show” and “Marketplace.”

In the Arts & Crafts, located directly across from the Swan Lake Visitors Center, you will find absolutely beautiful masterpieces of stained glass of any size and design, handmade quilts, handmade hair bows for the little ones, uniquely designed bird feeders and pottery.

As you continue to stroll and visit the vendors, you will find woodworking, beautifully refurbished chairs and benches, as well as, hand-crafted

artesian jewelry, clothes and accessories.

Swings, rocking chairs and gliders can be found swinging and rocking from the breeze coming off the lake, as well as, unique outdoor lawn décor.

You will also want to take in the homemade bath soaps, homemade candles and handmade straw baskets and much, much more.

Be sure to visit the “Marketplace” area, located near the main stage near the playground area. You will find demonstrations and displays for makeup, samplings of sauces and dips and lots of fun gifts for the kids.

Both areas will be open Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Come on out and patronize the vendors while enjoying the beauty of Swan Lake Iris Gardens here in the “Gamecock City.”

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6 GUIDE TO THE IRIS FESTIVAL 2017 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUMTER ITEM

Sumter County Civic Center

SPECIAL GUEST

ERNEST LEE

General Parking General Parking Heath Pavillion General Parking

"THE CHICKEN MAN"

Columbia Artist Ernest Lee, “The Chicken Man,” will be painting live on-site all weekend long!

Garden Street Picnic Shelter

BACK ROOTS

Car Show (Sunday)

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Butterfly Garden Chocolate Garden

Senior Day (Friday)

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Grainger McCoy “Recovery”

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Alice Boyle Garden Center

M A P N OT TO S C A L E

Mary Hinson Flower Show

First Aid Station

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Back to Our Roots

6

Food Vendors

11

Gateway to Gardening

Bus Parking

2

SAFE Kids Adventureland

7

Marketplace Vendors

12

Art in the Gardens

Shuttle Stop

3

Kid’s Zone

8

CCTC Welding

13

Children’s Art in the Park

Restrooms

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14

Boat Rides

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5

Entertainment

10

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15

Senior Day

GUIDE TO THE IRIS FESTIVAL 2017 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUMTER ITEM 7

iris festival KING AND QUEEN

For over 20 years, the Sumter Volunteers have hosted the crowning of the Iris Festival King and Queen.

The area High Schools will send their brightest and best to compete. The King and Queen are chosen from area high school seniors and future leaders. Each is awarded a $500 scholarship. The award recognizes achievements in scholarships, character, school and civic involvement. The Iris Festival King and Queen will be crowned during the Opening Ceremony of the Festival at the Heath Pavilion on Thursday, May 25 at 5:15 p.m.

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8 GUIDE TO THE IRIS FESTIVAL 2017 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUMTER ITEM

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iris festival ENTERTAINMENT SATURDAY • MAY 20 Iris Festival Pageant Sumter High School Auditorium 10:30am

THURSDAY • MAY 25 Ribbon Cutting / Crowning of the King & Queen Heath Pavilion, 5:15pm aste at the Gardens featuring T Chief Complaint Garden Street Stage, 6-9pm (Tickets for Sale at Gate) FRIDAY • MAY 26 Gateway to Gardening and Art in the Garden will be available all three days in the Bland Gardens.

Palmetto Health Tuomey Community Health Initiatives FREE Screening Swan Lake Visitors Center, 9 - 11am (Hypertension, Cholesterol, Diabetes - Requires 12-Hour Fast) ust Kidding Around J Children’s Area* Palmetto Amusements, 10am 6pm (Rides, Blow-ups and More!) hildren’s Art in the Park C Sumter Gallery of Art Bland Gardens, 10am - 5pm SATURDAY • MAY 27 Head Turnerz Classic Car Show Bland Gardens, 9am - 4pm

ust Kidding Around Children’s J Area Palmetto Amusements & Games2U, 10am - 6pm (Rides, Blow-ups, Video Games, Laser Tag, and More!

DNR and Fire Department at Garden Street & the Fairway) Children’s Art in the Park Sumter Gallery of Art Bland Gardens, 10am - 5pm The Magic of Welding presented by Central Carolina Technical College Mary Hinson Flower Show: “Celebrating the Festivals of South Carolina” Alice Boyle Garden Center, 10am - 5pm SAFE Kids Adventureland sponsored by SAFE Kids Sumter County and the Tuomey Foundation, 10am - 4pm (Kiwanis Kids Fingerprinting, Bike Rodeo, Info & More!)

I ntroduction of Iris Kings & Queens Main Stage, 12pm SUNDAY • MAY 28 Sumter Cruisers Show & Shine Garden Street, 10am - 5pm ust Kidding Around Children’s J Area* Palmetto Amusements & Games2U, 12 - 5pm

10 GUIDE TO THE IRIS FESTIVAL 2017 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUMTER ITEM

( Rides, Blow-ups, Video Games, Laser Tag, and More!)

Children’s Art in the Park Bland Gardens, 12 - 5pm Mary Hinson Flower Show: “Celebrating the Festivals of South Carolina” Alice Boyle Garden Center, 1 4pm

MAIN STAGE

Friday, May 26 1 :30 - 3:00 Hands on Praise Puppets - Harmony Church 3:00 - 3:45 Sandy Banks 4:00 - 5:00 Sumter High School Jazz Band 5:00 - 5:30 Dreamworks Dance Academy 5:30 - 6:00 Believer's Quartet Saturday, May 27 10:00 - 6:00 Lexi the Clown 10:00 - 11:00 The Doodtz Band Sumter High School 11:00 - 11:30 Miss Libby's School of Dance 11:30 - 12:00 HIS Direction, Dan Gilbert 12:00 - 12:15 King / Queens / Dignitaries Introduced 12:30 - 1:00 Freed School of Dance 1:00 - 2:00 Fallen Statues 2:00 - 2:30 Team Robinson, Martial Arts 2:30 - 3:00 Crestwood High School Choir 3:00 - 4:00 Brendan Kirby

iris festival

:00 - 5:00 Sandy Banks, 4 Hartsville 5:00 - 6:00 Last Generation Quartet

Sunday, May 28 1 2:30 - 1:30 Maddie Hunt, Myrtle Beach 1:30 - 2:30 CrossAnchor Quartet 2:30 - 3:15 Zadok - Gospel Rapper 3:15 - 4:00 Scape' Ore Bluegrass & Gospel Band 4:00 - 5:00 Sandy Banks, Hartsville

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Saturday, May 27 2:00 - 4:00 From the Morning

Sunday, May 28 :00 - 4:00 John Berry & Kelvin 2 Jarvis

GAZEBO

Saturday, May 27 12:00 - 4:00 Frank Fickling

Sunday, May 28 1:00 - 4:00 Frank Fickling

GUIDE TO THE IRIS FESTIVAL 2017 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUMTER ITEM 11

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12 GUIDE TO THE IRIS FESTIVAL 2017 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUMTER ITEM

ART IN THE GARDENS iris Art in the Gardens and Gateway to Gardening feature both local and regional artists and fine craftsmen. All art media are usually on display with some having emphasis on the Iris Gardens. Woodturning, photography, watercolor originals, and even garden art are displayed around the Gazebo area for the entire weekend. Art in the Gardens is staged on the Bland side of Swan Lake offering shade to those visiting.

The Master Gardeners are available to answer questions, and this is the only time during the year that visitors can purchase Irises from within the gardens. There are restrooms available on the Bland side as well as a food vendor to accommodate your need for "a bite to eat." The ground is

VISIT

festival

level and easy to push both strollers and wheelchairs.

In the Gazebo there will be daily entertainment for your relaxation and enjoyment in a style that lends itself to the Art in the Gardens. The Bland Side also features many paths, bridges and venues featuring the famous Japanese Iris and the eight species of Swans for you to photograph as a reminder of your visit.

Plan to have part of your agenda be a visit to Art in the Gardens and enjoy watching some of the artists actually creating their work. Art in the Gardens will be open 10:00 a.m.

– 6:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.

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iris festival SAFE KIDS ADVENTURELAND SAFE KIDS Sumter County, funded by the Tuomey Foundation, will sponsor the SAFE KIDS “Adventureland” on Saturday, May 27, during the Iris Festival. Adventureland is an educational, safety fair located in the playground area of the gardens.

Adventureland is offered from 10 a.m.

– 4 p.m.

SAFE KIDS will conduct a Bike Rodeo, where children will have the opportunity to ride a special course learning the rules of the road for bicycle safety and learn the proper safety equipment needed when riding.

Children will also learn safe ways to wear their helmet. The Palmetto Optimist Club will be assisting with the Bike Rodeo this year.

This safety area will also feature educational displays from various community partners. Kiwanis Club of Sumter will provide free fingerprinting for children.

Fingerprint kits give parents a way to create a comprehensive personal file of their child. The kit includes personal

information that can be valuable and a great time saver if a child is ever lost.

New this year, there will be information on keeping kids safe at home. Information will be provided on poison prevention in the home, such as with household items like laundry pods and other household items that can become poisonous if not used correctly. Also, information on fire safety will be included.

Other displays include the SC Department of Public Service’s “Rollover Simulator” that will teach children the importance of wearing your seat belt. Informational displays from Sumter Family Health Center & Carolina Women’s Specialists, a division of Sumter Family Health Center, Sumter Fire Department, Sumter Aquatics Center, Palmetto Healthy Starts, Guardian Ad Litem and more.

For information, contact Cheryl Jackson at www.safekidssumter.com.

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SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2017

IN SPORTS: WH baseball

defeats LMA 9-7

close ols couldshuttering 2 scho g doors committee recommends Finance

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| E-mail: sports@theitem.com

Elms’’ home run helps Lauren victory over Thomas vi A Academy on Friday Sumter at Julie Elms added to her

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ard Boa Sumter School Board In response to Friday’s darecommend Committee recommendaoff Trustees Finance consultant’s proposal tion to accept a financial schools, the board’s to close two low-enrollmentboard members will unsure chairman says he’s Monday work session. take action at their Rev. Daryl McGhaney Board Chairman the Friday evening to The made his comments learning of the committee’s Sumter Item after

Barons hit 2 HRs, turn 3 double plays in 9-7 -7 win over LMA as rivalss wind up co-region champs mps No matter what circummstance popped up on day night at Baron Field, Friday Wilson lson Hall’s baseball team right attitude, secondkeptt the baseman seman Burgess Jordan said.

“We had the right mind,” Jordan said. state of “We had good approaches at ate and we didn’t make the plate too many any mistakes in the field.

“We had the right attitude de the entire game.”

One that led to a 9-7 victory ory over Laurence Manning Acadcademy and a co-region champipionship.

The Barons smacked a pairr of 2-run home runs, turned three ee double plays and took tage of a rough fifth advany the Swampcats to inning by earn efrom-behind victory a comethat left both rivals in a virtual deadlock ck atop SCISA Region II-3A. Both teams are 5-1 normal tiebreaker, and the run differenntial, is also even as each claimed d a 2-run victory. The ‘Cats and Barons will likely have to wait and see how things shake out for the playoffs, which begin a week from Monday with a new format. Eight teams make the postseason with the top two from each region and large bids from each two atcomprising the field.

Wilson Hall hosts Ben Lippen on Monday while LMA hosts Carolina Academy on Wednesday.

SEE DETAILS, PAGE A15

BY KASEY MEREDITH Intern@theitem.com

KASEY MEREDITH / THE SUMTER

School performed “Shake,

Rattle and Roll” with

choreography at the

Swan Lake-Iris Gardens

BY ADRIENNE SARVIS adrienne@theitem.com to work with In its continued effort possibly bring up local authorities to unsolved new information regarding Item has researched cases, The Sumter case of Theresa the th missing person’s was last seen Dianne Shannon who her home in to driving from Lugoff two-door 1988 Dalzell in her burgundy 2:30 p.m. on about Oldsmobile Cutlass

VISIT US ONLINE AT

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Thursday, Feb. 4, 1999.

Almost from the start of the search for Shannon, called Dianne by those close to her, investigators with Sumter suspected foul County Sheriff’s Officemissing at a play because she went life seemed to in her time when things be going well.

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Information: 774-1200 Advertising: 774-1246

SHANNON

Shannon went missing was a few days before she an apsupposed to make pearance at Kershaw on County Family Court propFeb. 10 to receive a her erty settlement from divorce. She also missed on her mother’s wedding

time. thought it was Investigators also seemed to be out strange that nothing in Shannon’s house of place inside of Sumter the 2600 block of Thomas Highway.

William V. Keenan James E. Gee Pinease M. Caldwell

Deloris F. Smith Franklin McCants Sr. ry Sr L

SEE CLUES, PAGE A12

WEATHER, A16 NOT AS WARM

Chance of a shower.

Tonight, cloudy with thunderstorm

INSIDE

4 SECTIONS, 34 PAGES VOL. 122, NO. 136

Classifieds C7-C8 Opinion A14

off walk from Lundy and moving to third Olsen er’s choice grounder on a fieldand infield error that allowed Josie Reed to take second.

Diamond Gibson bunted Morris home, with Reed taking third, before Olsen rallied to minimize the damage by retiring Carmen Silvester on a popup to short

SEE LMA, PAGE B6

PREP BASKETBALL

Lakewood’s Wilson inks ks with South Georgia Tech

BY JUSTIN DRIGGERS justin@theitem.com

Malik Wilson remembers the conversation with coach Bryan Brown head vividly.

“I can remember being in ninth grade and Coach Brown telling me I couldn’t go anywhere without my grades,” Wilson said. “So I kept working. I kept my grades up and I always look at it as school first.”

“This is a big moment for me and it’s just the beginning.”

The Lakewood High senior’s big moment School came on Wednesday when he signed to play basketball with Georgia Technical South College — a junior college located Americas, Georgia. in “I don’t know if I ever really thought this day would come,” Wilson said. “But coach Brown pushed me.

I got in the gym every day and got better.”

The 6-foot-3-inch, 180-pound senior forward picked SGT over a couple of other junior colleges that were interested, he said, but the Jets felt like the right fit.

“I just liked the program,” Wilson said. “I felt like if I went there I could get and grow as a person better and a basketball player and be successful.

WILSON

“I felt like we had a great frame of mind the whole night,” said WH head coach Adam Jarecki, whose team improved to 13-5 overall. “We were focused at the plate and focused in the field and we stayed in the game the whole night.

“They got up on us after we Wilson Hall’s Daul Daulton

SEE SPLIT, PAGE B6

sought

it was out of ing because she thoughtto miss her character for Shannon ahead of calling wedding without

Feb. 15.

Shannon’s Fe 16, Doris Reid, On Feb. her daughter missmother, reported

DEATHS, A11 &A13 Jr. Joe Lewis Lawson

Shirley McCray Dale L. Anderson M M lan

ITEM

Earth Day celebration.

after 17 years; new clues g afte Missing person case still baffling

ce Manning top TSA 7-4

senior backstop. a season). She’s done great.”

“She’s stroking Cora Downer helped the ball well, seeadd a little insurance ing it, she’s stayfor LMA, following Elms’ blast ing disciplined, with a single. The senior she looks good. center fielder then stole second ELMS I’m really proud base and came home on an of her,” Lady RBI single

by Abbie Beard ‘Cats head coach to account for Maria Rowthe Lady ‘Cats’ land said. “She’s final run. hit more (home runs) by The teams swapped herself than runs in the first inning, I’ve had girls hit with TSA’s combined (in Logan Morris drawing a lead-

BY JUSTIN DRIGGERS justin@theitem.com

Swan Lake hosts festivities focusing on environment

Springs Elementary SEE DAY, PAGE A12 Pocalla

followed

frustrated the

SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2017

Splitt do down the middle

BY BRUCE MILLS bruce@theitem.com

celebrate Earth Day Community gathers to cel

Swan Lake-Iris Gardens people from was bustling with Saturday all walks of life on for Earth Day festivities. Head, For some, like Nichole festival this year’s Earth Day was a first. said “I would come again,” the for Head. “It’s something Walmart kids to do, and the plants.” stand gives away free Head, a Sumter resident, and came with her mother Kaykids to see her daughter, with dence Baxley, perform Elementathe Pocalla Springs chorus. ry School there for Madison Cox was first time.

Earth Day for the the lights “I come a lot to see said Cox. during the winter,” chermost “It’s some of my Sumter.” ished memories of to keep Cox said she’ll try got from her flower that she

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Chairman McGhaneyy wants more details

liam Byrd of WilGroup, William meeting Fri- tion d, CPA, PC, and clusion of its monthly with the liam Levan Byrd, Farm Insuroffice day at the district Ben Griffith of State leader, consultant, Scott busin h business board’s financial ance. The fourth of trustees will on, was not present.

Allan. The board Bobby Anderson, recBoard Fichairma and comThe Sumter School School board chairman now address the committee’s next meeting, voted unaniRev Daryl McRev. nance Committee ommendation at its mittee member the at 6 p.m. recommend to absen He had inso absent. mously Friday to which is set for Monday Ghaney was also to close action, if any, ntendent Frank Baker the full board of trustees It’s uncertain what formed Superintendent end of this had a meeting obtwo schools at the the board will take. beforehand thatt he consists wake of the disumbia on Friday, but The finance committee school year in the ligation in Columbia ownItem Those S ith The Sumter trict’s financial crisis. Elementaof four local private-business he did speak with members. schools are F.J. DeLaine Middle ers and three board leaders were ry School and Mayewood Three of the business PAGE A15 Greg SCH SEE SCHOOLS, School. present Friday including Construcits recomThe committee made Thompson of Thompson board at the conmendation to the

BY BRUCE MILLS bruce@theitem.com

All the feature sections, coupons and store circulars.

SECTION

C1

PANORAMA

“I like the players.

They work hard and they get after it.”

Dabbs (14) and Drew RICKK CARPENTER Commander ommander (4) after Talley (10) wait at af Commander home plate to congratulate/ THE SUMTER ITEM hit rence nce Manning Ac Academy on Friday a towering home run during the Barons’ ngratulate Charlton at Baron Field.

9-7 victory over Lau-

Wilson is hoping his time at South Georgia will be a stepping stone to the next collegiate level as well.

“I feel like when I leave

SEE WILSON, PAGE THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Toronto’s DeMar DeRozan (10) goes up for a shot against Milwaukee’s Thon Maker (7) during the Raptors’ 87-76 victory on Saturday in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference playoffs firstround series in Milwaukee.

NBA PLAYOFFS

Raptors beat eat Bucks 87-76 in slugfest, tie series at 2-2

B6

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BY GENARO C. ARMAS The Associated Press

tile ro road oad crowd after getting answered with embar embarrassed rrassed in a 27-point a bucket fore setting up another beloss to o Milwauk MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee in Game basDeMar ket with a drive-and-dish 3. The They DeRozan reverted ey forced 221 turnovers. back to center Jonas Valanciunasto “I’ “I’ve always said hi playmaking his form. The we play for a layup in traffic. better with our Toronto Raptors backs reasserted While Toronto’s against the wall,” themselves on defense. star coach guards produced Dwane Casey said.

They’re headed in “It’s a back clutch, the defense the tough way to live, Canada after winning to threw up but roadblocks after our team’s resilience I love bruiser of a first-rounda the Bucks and ran roughshod off game on Saturday play- personality.” all over the over court on Thursday Toronto reclaimed the Milwaukee night.

Bucks. homeMilwaukee shot court advantage DeRozan scored 37 percent in the best33 points, overall in Game of-seven series. and Kyle Lowry 4, but 31 Game 5 is had 14 of percent (13 of 42) Monday at the Air his 18 points in in the secthe second Canada ond half.

Centre. half of Toronto’s 87-76 “Our tempo was Tony Snell led Milwaukee ry to tie the Eastern victoextremely slow,” coach with 19 points, including ence series at two ConferJason Kidd games five said. “Give 3-pointers, both apiece.

(Toronto) credit, playoff cathey slowed us reer highs.

The Raptors turned down.”

Giannis Antetokounmpo His 3 with 3:14 left their intensity before up a hosBucks within seven. got the Lowry

SEE RAPTORS, PAGE

B3

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16 GUIDE TO THE IRIS FESTIVAL 2017 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUMTER ITEM

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GUIDE TO THE IRIS FESTIVAL 2017 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUMTER ITEM 19

iris

HEALTH AND WELLNESS festival SCREENINGS

Palmetto Health Tuomey Community Health Initiatives will offer a FREE Health & Wellness Screening inside the Swan Lake Visitors Center on Friday, May 26. The fair will be from 9 – 11 a.m.

It will provide free screenings for hypertension, cholesterol and diabetes. The screening requires a 12 hour fast.

Educational materials and health related displays will help everyone with the journey to maintain a well and active lifestyle. For further information or if interested in participating in this or other screenings, call (803) 7745289.

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20 GUIDE TO THE IRIS FESTIVAL 2017 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUMTER ITEM

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thank you TO THE 2017 IRIS A SPECIAL

FESTIVAL SPONSORS

Additional Sponsorships Provided By: The Sumter Item • Friends of Swan Lake • FTC Community Broadcasters, LLC • Santee-Wateree Regional Transportation Authority

GUIDE TO THE IRIS FESTIVAL 2017 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUMTER ITEM 21

iris festival CAR SHOWS Head Turnerz Car Club Sumter Spring Blast Car Show

The Head Turnerz Car Club will be at the Iris Festival on Saturday, May 27, 2017 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. The car show will be located on the Bland side of Swan Lake. It will be back in the open grassy area behind the Gateway to Gardening that is located on the Gazebo side.

This car show is a great way to display your cars, win prizes and enjoy some great music. Cars will be a judged on the following criteria: Paint, Engine, Interior, Wheels and Trunk. There will also be a People’s Choice, Kids Choice, Host Car, Rat Rod and Best of Show. Please come out and enjoy the Car Show and The Swan Lake Iris Gardens.

The Head Turnerz Car Club or the City of Sumter is not responsible for loss, injury or damage to property or person.

For more information and details on

Sumter Auto Mall HOME

OF

QUALITY

CARS

registering for this show, call Ken Burdick (803) 840-1305.

Sumter Cruisers Iris Festival Show & Shine 2017

The Sumter Cruisers, a nonprofit organization for car and truck enthusiasts, will be at the Iris Festival on Sunday May 28, 2017 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. This member’s only display will be open to the public.

The “Iris Festival Show & Shine 2017” will give members the opportunity to show some of the hottest cars and trucks around in the Sumter and Shaw area. All sorts of cars and trucks will be represented, from vintage to present.

Please come and see us at the display area on the Heath Pavilion Garden Street side of Swan Lake during the Iris Festival.

You can check us out at: www. sumtercruisers.com

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22 GUIDE TO THE IRIS FESTIVAL 2017 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUMTER ITEM

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GUIDE TO THE IRIS FESTIVAL 2017 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUMTER ITEM 23

iris festival CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES FREE Kids’ Area:

Each year the Iris Festival’s “Just Kidding Around” area provides lots of fun and activities for the children. It is all FREE! As always, the amusement area will feature rides, games and fun for children to enjoy. The “Just Kidding Around” area is located beside the playground and is open all three days of the festival. See festival schedule for times. And again it is all FREE!

Sumter Fire Department interactive displays, Games2U, a Video Game Theater, Giant Human Hamster Balls and Laser Tag. Poinsett State Park will offer interactive games such as Hiking Stick Ring Toss, Bobbin-ForFrogs and Selfies with a Snake. DNR will also provide hands on activities in this area. Come enjoy all the fun.

Closest parking for this event will be the parking lots at the end of Garden Street.

Special FREE Kids’ Area Saturday

FREE Children’s Art:

The Garden Street Fairway near the Heath Pavilion will come alive with Children’s Entertainment on Saturday, May 27 from 10 a.m. till 5 p.m. All games and activities are FREE in this area for kids 12 and under. Some of the activities in this area will include: the

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Children can use their creative side and participate in “Children’s Art in the Park,” sponsored by the Sumter County Gallery of the Art. Located in the Bland Gardens (Gazebo Side), children will be able to paint, create and take home special treasures from

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the festival as a memory of their visit.

“Children’s Art in the Park” will be open Friday, May 26 and Saturday, May 27 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, May 28 from 12 noon - 5 p.m.

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GUIDE TO THE IRIS FESTIVAL 2017 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUMTER ITEM 25

iris festival TASTE AT THE GARDENS Each year, more than a thousand hungry festival-goers come out for one of the most popular events of the Iris Festival – “The Taste at the Gardens.” The Taste, as most Sumterites refer to the event, kicks off the festival each year. This year the Taste will be held on the Garden Street Stage Thursday, May 25 from 6 – 9 p.m.

The Taste offers a wide variety of foods from local restaurants, caterers and individuals. No need to purchase

food tickets this year; cash will be accepted by the vendors. Tickets are available at the gate for a $5 donation. Children under 5 years old get in FREE. The featured band this year is Chief Complaint. Come on out and join the community at this year’s Taste of the Gardens. When else can you eat some great food, talk with friends, dance a little and even take an evening boat ride on Swan Lake?

Make plans to join us.

26 GUIDE TO THE IRIS FESTIVAL 2017 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUMTER ITEM

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GUIDE TO THE IRIS FESTIVAL 2017 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUMTER ITEM 27

iris festival THE MAGIC OF WELDING The Magic of Welding, presented

by Central Carolina Technical College, displays beautiful metal art sculptures created by welding program students.

This is the fourth year they will be creating sculptures on-site right before your eyes! The sculptures, made by area students, will be on display over the weekend Central Carolina Technical College will be displaying the following information and skills: 1. Changing lives through education 2. Structural welding, Basic welding steps for education 3. Pipe welding, Advanced welding technology display 4. Fabricated pieces of metal works from CCTC students and staff

CCTC staff will be glad to answer questions about welding education for CCTCs welding programs. The display will give the general public a better understanding of weld training for future craftsmen in the construction industry. The training prepares these students for jobs that can offer a higher earning potential in a national and worldwide job market.

The sculptures will be displayed in the gardens during the festival. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday; closing at 5 p.m. on Sunday.

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28 GUIDE TO THE IRIS FESTIVAL 2017 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUMTER ITEM

iris festival

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1031 Broad Street • 803-775-6121 230 N. Lafayette Drive • 803-775-5015 8 N. Sumter Street • 803-773-3349 456 N. Guignard Drive • 803-775-3962 GUIDE TO THE IRIS FESTIVAL 2017 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUMTER ITEM 29

iris festival “THE CHICKEN MAN” Looking for a one-of-a-kind gift item to take back with you from the Iris Festival? Come get a special piece from “the Chicken Man.” One headlining special guest for the 2017 Iris Festival is folk artist Ernest Lee, best known as "The Chicken Man." A native of Edgefield, South Carolina, Ernest Lee has been drawing since he was five years old and painting since he was 12. While considered an "outsider artist," Ernest has studied art at the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art in Alexandria, VA., and the Rose Hill Art Center in Aiken, SC. A prolific artist, he is currently best known for his dancing chicken paintings, though he also paints dogs, cats, flamingos and celebrities. He describes his unique brand of folk art as a process. "I do [paint] from my heart, not from pictures. Be what

you are, don't be what you ain't.

Because if you be what you ain't, then you ain't what you are." Ernest Lee. Ernest is well known in Columbia, SC, where for many years he maintained an outdoor street corner gallery with his van and trailer. When he's not there, he is attending one of the many art festivals he participates in throughout the year. He says he's painted 11,000 pieces in the last 8 years. Ernest's work has been exhibited in such places as the South Carolina State Museum, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Library in Washington, DC. “The Chicken Man” will be painting live on-site at the festival all weekend long. Come visit him on the Bland Side of the Gardens across the bridge.

30 GUIDE TO THE IRIS FESTIVAL 2017 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUMTER ITEM

GUIDE TO THE IRIS FESTIVAL 2017 â&#x20AC;¢ A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUMTER ITEM 31

iris festival SENIOR DAY Come join us for the first Annual Senior Day Celebration on Friday, May 26th from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Garden Street entrance to the Sumter Iris Festival. Senior Day will feature the Palmetto Health Tuomey Mobile unit doing BP checks, as well as, giving out important health related information. From 10 – 11 a.m., free gentle chair yoga hosted by “Yoga Without Walls” will be provided.

“Elvis” aka John Bailey will be the entertainment singing on the Garden Street Stage at 12:00 p.m.

There will be a variety of vendors offering information and services for seniors. Vendors include: Covenant Place of Sumter, AARP Safe Driving, The Santee-Lynches Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging, Sumter Senior Services, Sumter Parks

and Recreation Department, Sumter Shepherd’s Center, RTA, Sumter Fire Department- free fire detectors and installation, Sumter Police Department - Check Mate Program, Department of Mental Health-FEMA, Fort Jackson Cemetery & Benefits provided from the VA. League of Women Voters, Toastmasters, American Legion Post 15, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 15 and The Sumter Elks Lodge #855.

Information is available on legal aid for Seniors, as well as, Veterans Directed Programs, Ombudsman, Emergency Preparedness, Meals on Wheels and many other programs and services of interest for seniors.

A trolley will be provided on Friday to assist with rides from the Garden Street entrance to the main entrance at the Swan Lake Visitors Center.

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32 GUIDE TO THE IRIS FESTIVAL 2017 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUMTER ITEM

SE M

"BACK TO OUR ROOTS" This year’s Iris Festival will be taking the local community “Back to Our Roots” with a special display and demonstrations at the Swan Lake Visitors Center. Celebrate the beauty of our land and wildlife, and learn more about both natural and cultivated sites and programs that help make South Carolina special.

All weekend, enjoy displays of the festival’s namesake Japanese iris, displaying all parts from the celebrated flowers to the intricacies of the below-ground root system. Alongside will be iris-themed students and adults art in a juried show presented by the Sumter County Gallery of Art. In addition, Palmetto Health Tuomey will conduct FREE hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol screenings at the Visitors Center on Friday, May

iris festival

26 from 9-11 a.m.

Among the “Back to Our Roots” participants scheduled throughout the weekend are*: • • • • •

Charleston Tea Plantation The Farm Store Willard Farms Joshua Castleberry The

Bradford Watermelon Company

*Please note: All presentations are subject to change or cancellation.

Time schedules for presentations will be listed at the Festival Information Booth. Enjoy talks, demonstrations, and more from area plantations, farms, and naturalists— presenting Mother Nature at its finest!

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