2018 Iris Festival Guide

2018

iris festival

Cover photo by Christine Gonzales

GUIDE

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2 GUIDE TO THE IRIS FESTIVAL 2018 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUMTER ITEM

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GUIDE TO THE IRIS FESTIVAL 2018 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUMTER ITEM 3

iris festival CHAIRMAN’S LETTER The Sumter Iris Festival Commission is so excited to celebrate its 78th Anniversary May 25 – 27, 2018 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 it 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 24 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 “JD and the Breeze” 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 25, 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– 11 a.m. The screening requires a 12–hour fast.

As always, one of the festival’s most popular events will return and offer even more fun for the family. The Jamil Shriner Streakers of Sumter’s

Annual Shrine Day Parade will be Saturday, May 26 at 10 a.m. Make note that the parade will start at the Sumter County Civic Center, move down Liberty Street and turn up Alice Drive.

The Iris Festival Commission is very excited to have a special guest artist this year, Betty Reese. Betty Reese, a local artist and native of Sumter, has been an important part of the Iris Festival Commission and worked at coordinating the Iris Festival exhibits in the Bland Gardens for several years.

Reese will be painting live on-site at the festival throughout the weekend.

Come visit her in the Bland Gardens across the bridge.

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), Children’s Art in the Park and much more. Check the Iris Festival book 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 2018 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!

Lynn Kennedy 2018 Iris Festival Chair

4 GUIDE TO THE IRIS FESTIVAL 2018 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUMTER ITEM

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GUIDE TO THE IRIS FESTIVAL 2018 • 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 78th Annual Iris Festival “Arts & Crafts Show” and “Marketplace.”

In the “Arts & Crafts” area, which is 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, handmade wind spinners and handcrafted artesian jewelry, clothes and accessories. Swings, rocking chairs and gliders can be found swinging and rocking in 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, sculpting of your loved ones’ foot prints, re-purposed wood items and much, much more as you enjoy your time here at the Iris Festival. Welding demonstrations by Central Carolina Tech is a must see as you leave the “Arts and Crafts” area and make your way over to the “Marketplace” area.

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

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

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

I, Monica Phan, owner, would like to thank you all my wonderful customers for voting us at

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LIBERTY STREET WEST

Sumter County Civic Center

at the Bland Gazebo

General Parking Heath Pavillion General Parking

Garden Street Picnic Shelter

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Boardwalk

Grainger McCoy “Recovery”

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Bus Parking

2

SAFE Kids Adventureland

7

Marketplace Vendors

12

Art in the Gardens

Shuttle Stop

3

Children’s Area

8

CCTC Welding

13

Kids Art in the Park (Sat.)

Restrooms

4

Arts & Crafts

9

Car Show (Sat. & Sun.)

14

Boat Rides

Information Booth

5

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10

Sportsman’s Expo

15

Games2U

GUIDE TO THE IRIS FESTIVAL 2018 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUMTER ITEM 7

iris festival KING AND QUEEN

For more than 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 and school and civic involvement.

New this year, the Iris Festival King and Queen will be crowned during the Taste at the Gardens of the Festival at the Garden Street Stage on Thursday, May 24 at 6:15 p.m.

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8 GUIDE TO THE IRIS FESTIVAL 2018 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUMTER ITEM

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iris festival ENTERTAINMENT SATURDAY • MAY 19 Iris Festival Pageant Sumter High School Auditorium, 10:30 a.m.

THURSDAY • MAY 24 Taste at the Gardens featuring JD and the Breeze Garden Street Stage, 6 – 9 p.m. (tickets for sale at gate) ibbon Cutting / Crowning of the R King & Queen Garden Street Stage, 6:15 p.m.

FRIDAY • MAY 25 Palmetto Health Tuomey Community Health Initiatives FREE Screening Swan Lake Visitors Center, 9 – 11 a.m. (hypertension, cholesterol, diabetes – requires 12-hour fast) ust Kidding Around Children’s J Area* Palmetto Amusements, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (rides, blow-ups and more!)

Children’s Art in the Park Bland Gardens, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

SATURDAY • MAY 26 Head Turnerz Classic Car Show Bland Gardens, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

1 2th Annual Shrine Day Parade hosted by The Jamil Streakers West Liberty Street, 10 a.m. (begins at Sumter County Civic Center)

ust Kidding Around Children’s J Area* Palmetto Amusements, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (rides, blow-ups and more!)

Children’s Art in the Park Bland Gardens, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

SAFE Kids Adventureland Sponsored by SAFE Kids Sumter County & the Tuomey Foundation 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

(Kiwanis kids fingerprinting, bike rodeo, info and more!)

Southern Sportsman Expo Garden Street side, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Made in Sumter Locally sourced premium products Swan Lake Visitors Center, 10 a.m.

– 4 p.m. (rides, blow-ups and ore!)

The Magic of Welding Presented by Central Carolina Technical College Mary Hinson Flower Show “Celebrating the Festivals of South Carolina” Alice Boyle Garden Center, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

I ntroduction of Iris Kings & Queens Main Stage, noon SUNDAY • MAY 27 Just Kidding Around Children’s Area* Palmetto Amusements, noon – 5 p.m.

10 GUIDE TO THE IRIS FESTIVAL 2018 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUMTER ITEM

(rides, blow-ups and more!)

Children’s Art in the Park Bland Gardens, noon – 5 p.m.

Open Car Show Bland side, 1 p.m.

Mary Hinson Flower Show “Celebrating the Festivals of South Carolina” Alice Boyle Garden Center, 1 – 4 p.m.

More info at IrisFestival.org!

All events subject to change or cancellation. * Please Note: Children’s Area Activities are FREE unless otherwise indicated and will be held in the playground area as well as near the Main Stage with the exception of Children’s Art in the Park, which is held in Bland Gardens on the north side of West Liberty Street.

MAIN STAGE FRI. MAY 25 1:00 – 1:30 Lakewood HS Jazz & Show Choir 1:30 – 3:00 Hands on Praise Puppets 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

SAT. MAY 26 11:00 – 11:30 Miss Libby's School of Dance 11:30 – 12:00 HIS Direction, Dan Gilbert (Tentative) 12:00 – 12:15 King / Queens/ Dignitaries Introduced

iris festival

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 TBA 3:00 – 4:00 Brendan Kirby 4:00 – 5:00 Sandy Banks 5:00 – 6:00 Last Generation Quartet

SUN. MAY 27 12:30 – 1:30 Maddie Hunt, Myrtle Beach 1:30 – 2:30 CrossAnchor Quartet 2:30 – 3:15 Zadok - Gospel Rapper 3:15 – 4:00 TBA 4:00 – 5:00 Sandy Banks, Hartsville DOCK FRI. MAY 25 2:00 - 4:00 From The Morning

SAT. MAY 26 10:00 - 2:00 Mel Geddings 2:00 - 4:00 From The Morning

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GUIDE TO THE IRIS FESTIVAL 2018 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUMTER ITEM 11

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12 GUIDE TO THE IRIS FESTIVAL 2018 • 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

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. The Art in the Gardens will be open 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

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

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GUIDE TO THE IRIS FESTIVAL 2018 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUMTER ITEM 13

iris festival SAFE KIDS ADVENTURELAND SAFE KIDS Sumter County, funded by the Tuomey Foundation, will sponsor the SAFE KIDS “Adventureland” on Saturday, May 26, 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 the 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 the children. The 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.

This year, we will be holding our Safe Kids Day. There will be information on keeping kids safe at home. We will provide information on poison prevention in the home, such as with household items like the laundry pods and other household items that can become poisonous if not used correctly. In addition, information on fire safety will be included. We will also talk to caregivers on the importance of child passenger safety and heatstroke information.

Other displays include the S.C. 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 and 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 will also be there.

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

14 GUIDE TO THE IRIS FESTIVAL 2018 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUMTER ITEM

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GUIDE TO THE IRIS FESTIVAL 2018 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUMTER ITEM 15

iris festival PAGEANT QUEENS

The 21st Annual Iris Festival Pageant was held Saturday, May 19 at the Sumter High School Auditorium. Iris Queens, overall Queens and Miss Swan Lake winners will ride on the iris parade float during the Iris Festival and make appearances at the Memorial Day weekend festival. Two overall winners each received a $100 Cash Scholarship, crowns, flowers and gifts.

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GUIDE TO THE IRIS FESTIVAL 2018 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUMTER ITEM 17

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iris

HEALTH AND WELLNESS festival SCREENINGS

Palmetto Health Tuomey Community Health Initiatives will offer a FREE Health and Wellness Screening inside the Swan Lake Visitors Center on Friday, May 25. The screenings 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 2018 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUMTER ITEM

Since 1967

thank you TO THE 2018 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 2018 • 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 26 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 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 registering for this show, call Ken Burdick at (803) 840-1305.

Sumter Cruisers Iris Festival Show & Shine 2017

The Open Car Show at Swan Lake will be at the Iris Festival on Sunday, May 27 at 1 p.m. on the Bland side of Swan Lake. Brought to you by Charlie Fossett, registration for the show is from 10 a.m.– 1 p.m. Trophies will be given at 3 p.m. For more information, call Todd Touchberry at (803) 983-5430.

Photos by Christine Gonzales

22 GUIDE TO THE IRIS FESTIVAL 2018 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUMTER ITEM

GUIDE TO THE IRIS FESTIVAL 2018 • 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, a rock wall and fun activities 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!

the festival as a memory of their visit.

“Children’s Art in the Park” will be open Friday, May 25 and Saturday, May 26 from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday, May 27 from noon–5 p.m.

FREE Children’s Art

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

Photo by Christine Gonzales

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GUIDE TO THE IRIS FESTIVAL 2018 • 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 this fun event, kicks off the festival each year. This year, the Taste will be held on the Garden Street Stage on Thursday, May 24 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. Admission tickets are available at the gate with a $5 donation. Children under 5 years old are FREE. The featured band this year is ‘JD and the Breeze.’ Come on out and join the community at this year’s “Taste at 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.

Photos by Jeff and Nancy Byer 26 GUIDE TO THE IRIS FESTIVAL 2018 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUMTER ITEM

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iris festival THE MAGIC OF WELDING The Magic of Welding, presented by Central Carolina Technical College, displays beautiful metal art sculptures created by the 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.

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

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iris festival

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GUIDE TO THE IRIS FESTIVAL 2018 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUMTER ITEM 29

iris festival BETTY REESE If you are looking for a special gift item to take back with you from the Iris Festival, come visit the Iris Festival’s featured artist, Betty Reese, in the Bland Gardens on the north side of the famous Swan Lake Iris Gardens.

Betty Reese, a native of Sumter, lives in Manning with her husband, Clyde. She has a passion for sharing her love of art with others, especially with children.

"My thought is anyone can draw if given the right tools and patient instructions,” Reese said.

“My favorite medium is plain ol' pencil and paper. It is easy to find, reasonable to buy and very transportable. It is great when I am a passenger on a road trip and it keeps me from being a back seat driver.

“Art is so much fun and allows you to be creative with so many different tools. You can add pen to your pencil art or water color or go all out with acrylics."

Reese has been a vital member of the Iris Festival Commission for many years and works to coordinate the exhibits in the Bland Gardens.

“The Iris Festival has always given me a chance to help with the activities of the events plus catch a moment in a lawn chair under the tree by the gazebo and paint. That's where you'll find me again this year,” Reese said.

Betty and her husband, Clyde, along with another artist founded

the Elephant Ear in 2010. Both have their area in the Elephant Ear Co-op along with 20-plus other designers and artists. Located at 672 Bultman Drive in Sumter, you can find her art and Clyde’s Custom Framing on display at the shop throughout the year. She also offers art lessons for adults and children at the shop.

Betty Reese will be painting live on-site at the festival throughout the weekend. Come visit her in the Bland Gardens across the bridge.

30 GUIDE TO THE IRIS FESTIVAL 2018 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUMTER ITEM

Don’t miss our coverage of the

Sumter Iris Festival on FTC Now!

Check out this festival and more on Channel 26 and Video On Demand. ftcdigitaltv.com | 888-218-5050

The Area’s Best and Only Full-Service Provider

GUIDE TO THE IRIS FESTIVAL 2018 • A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUMTER ITEM 31

iris festival SOUTHERN SPORTSMAN EXPO Love the outdoors? This is the event for you.

The Iris Festival is expanding with our first-ever Southern Sportsman Expo featuring a wide range of vendors and exhibitors including Simpsons Hardware, the Department of Natural Resources, Holy Hail Duck Calls and more! They’ll be showcasing everything “outdoor” — from hunting and fishing to forestry, conservation and farming.

Along with our exhibitors, we’ll have exclusive food vendors and a shotgun raffle to benefit CrimeStoppers, courtesy of Strong Arms. Come join us on the Garden Street side of the gardens.

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